bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of 2-Deoxyglucose and Glucose Deprivation on 4-Hydroxynonenal Dependent Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Primary Neurons
Authors: Dodson Matthew , Benavides Gloria A. , Darley-Usmar Victor , Zhang Jianhua
Published: February 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic decline are prevalent features of aging and age-related disorders, including neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with a progressive loss of metabolic homeostasis. This pathogenic decline in metabolism is the result of several factors, including decreased mitochondrial function, increased oxidative stress, inhibited autophagic flux, and altered metabolic substrate availability. One critical metabolite for maintaining neuronal function is glucose, which is utilized by the brain more than any other organ to meet its substantial metabolic demand. Enzymatic conversion of glucose into its downstream metabolites is critical for maintaining neuronal cell growth and overall metabolic homeostasis. Perturbation of glycolysis could significantly hinder neuronal metabolism by affecting key metabolic pathways. Here, we demonstrate that the glucose analogue 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) decreases cell viability, as well as both basal and maximal mitochondrial oxygen consumption in response to the neurotoxic lipid 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), whereas glucose deprivation has a minimal effect. Furthermore, using a cell permeabilization assay we found that 2DG has a more pronounced effect on HNE-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial complex I and II than glucose deprivation. Importantly, these findings indicate that altered glucose utilization plays a critical role in dictating neuronal survival by regulating the mitochondrial response to electrophilic stress.
Comparing a Robot Tutee to a Human Tutee in a Learning-By-Teaching Scenario with Children
Authors: Serholt Sofia , Ekström Sara , Küster Dennis , Ljungblad Sara , Pareto Lena
Published: February 2022

Social robots are increasingly being studied in educational roles, including as tutees in learning-by-teaching applications. To explore the benefits and drawbacks of using robots in this way, it is important to study how robot tutees compare to traditional learning-by-teaching situations. In this paper, we report the results of a within-subjects field experiment that compared a robot tutee to a human tutee in a Swedish primary school. Sixth-grade students participated in the study as tutors in a collaborative mathematics game where they were responsible for teaching a robot tutee as well as a third-grade student in two separate sessions. Their teacher was present to provide support and guidance for both sessions. Participants’ perceptions of the interactions were then gathered through a set of quantitative instruments measuring their enjoyment and willingness to interact with the tutees again, communication and collaboration with the tutees, their understanding of the task, sense of autonomy as tutors, and perceived learning gains for tutor and tutee. The results showed that the two scenarios were comparable with respect to enjoyment and willingness to play again, as well as perceptions of learning gains. However, significant differences were found for communication and collaboration, which participants considered easier with a human tutee. They also felt significantly less autonomous in their roles as tutors with the robot tutee as measured by their stated need for their teacher’s help. Participants further appeared to perceive the activity as somewhat clearer and working better when playing with the human tutee. These findings suggest that children can enjoy engaging in peer tutoring with a robot tutee. However, the interactive capabilities of robots will need to improve quite substantially before they can potentially engage in autonomous and unsupervised interactions with children.
A Hybrid Dataset of Historical Cool-Season Lake Effects From the Eastern Great Lakes of North America
Authors: Ellis Andrew W. , Suriano Zachary J.
Published: February 2022

The moistening of cold air passing over the Great Lakes of North America has a profound impact on the cool season climate of regions downwind, from relatively benign air mass modification to highly-impactful snowfall events. The importance of lake effects has led to the development of varying techniques for systematically identifying lake-effect days. The results of two such methods are merged here to yield a more thorough record of lake-effect days for the eastern Great Lakes. Comparative analysis of the data sets illustrates the different objectives of the two methodologies, where one identifies days with a synoptic setup conducive to lake-effect snowfall, and the other identifies days with lake-effect modification of the overlying air mass. A smaller population of “absolute” lake-effect days are those identified by both methods, while a larger population of “hybrid” lake-effect days are absolute days plus those identified by one method but not the other. For a 51-year study period ending with the 2014–15 cool season, the absolute data set yields a mean of about 15 lake-effect days per year, or 8% of the November through April season, while the hybrid data set yields a mean of 56 lake-effect days per year, or 31% of the season. The frequencies of absolute, air mass modification-defined, and hybrid lake-effect days decreased through the study period, with days within the hybrid data set declining at a statistically significant rate of 2.8 days per decade, although most obviously from the late 1970s through the early 2000s. The result is a general drying of the cool-season lake-effect hydroclimate. The merged data set offers a more thorough historical record of days available for atmospheric and hydroclimatic study of the lake-effect phenomenon within the eastern Great Lakes region.
Towards Real-Time Oxygen Sensing: From Nanomaterials to Plasma
Authors: Johny Vinitha , Chinmaya K. V. , Nihal C. V. Muhammed , Kurian Varghese , Rao G. Mohan , Ghosh Moumita , Ghosh Siddharth
Published: February 2022

A significantly large scope is available for the scientific and engineering developments of high-throughput ultra-high sensitive oxygen sensors. We give a perspective of oxygen sensing for two physical states of matters—solid-state nanomaterials and plasma. From single-molecule experiments to material selection, we reviewed various aspects of sensing, such as capacitance, photophysics, electron mobility, response time, and a yearly progress. Towards miniaturization, we have highlighted the benefit of lab-on-chip-based devices and showed exemplary measurements of fast real-time oxygen sensing. From the physical–chemistry perspective, plasma holds a strong potential in the application of oxygen sensing. We investigated the current state-of-the-art of electron density, temperature, and design issues of plasma systems. We also show numerical aspects of a low-cost approach towards developing plasma-based oxygen sensor from household candle flame. In this perspective, we give an opinion about a diverse range of scientific insight together, identify the short comings, and open the path for new physical–chemistry device developments of oxygen sensor along with providing a guideline for innovators in oxygen sensing.
MyotonPro Is a Valid Device for Assessing Wrist Biomechanical Stiffness in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Nguyen Anh Phong , Detrembleur Christine , Fisette Paul , Selves Clara , Mahaudens Philippe
Published: February 2022

Background

The MyotonPro is a portable device for measuring biomechanical and viscoelastic properties in superficial soft tissues. The aims of this study are firstly to validate the MyotonPro compared to a reliable gold-standard frame and secondly to observe the influence of MyotonPro measurement on the total wrist viscoelasticity.

Methods

Three silicone polymers with different elastic properties were assessed with the MyotonPro and with a reference rheometer (Universal Tribometer Mod). Then, a free oscillations method was used to measure the passive elastic and viscous stiffness of the wrist and compared to MyotonPro forearm measurements.

Results

A one-way ANOVA demonstrated the validity of the MyotonPro's stiffness (p = 0.001), decrement (p < 0.001), and relaxation (p = 0.008) parameters for measuring the elastic stiffness (k) of the three polymers. The MyotonPro parameters demonstrated excellent reliability on the forearm. Proximal and distal anterior myofascial measurements of the MyotonPro were moderately correlated to the elastic stiffness (p = 0.0027–0.0275, absolute r = from 0.270 to 0.375) of the wrist while the postero-distal myofascial tissues of the forearm demonstrated a moderate correlation with the viscous stiffness of the wrist (p = 0.0096–0.0433, absolute r = from 0.257 to 0.326).

Discussion

The MyotonPro is a valid device for measuring elastic stiffness as well as a portable, affordable, and easy-to-use tool for quantifying the biomechanical properties and viscoelasticity of myofascial tissue in healthy subjects.
A Shock to the System: What the COVID-19 Pandemic Reveals About Australia's Food Systems and Their Resilience
Authors: Jones Natalie A. , Bellamy Jennifer , Bellotti William , Ross Helen , van Bommel Severine , Liu Yiyu
Published: February 2022

Australia has managed well through the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to many other developed nations. Through its first and second waves it was relatively successful in terms of control of outbreaks. Nevertheless, like everywhere, the shock to national systems has been profound, and adjustment remains complex and volatile. Food is a critical human need, and the food industry is recognised as a vital economic sector. We present an examination of some of the adaptive responses of Australia's food systems during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, from January 2020 to October 2020, with a focus on three case studies (seafood exports, consumer behaviour and food sector employment). These case studies provide observations of specific stresses experienced, as well as insights into the adaptation strategies carried out by various actors within the nation's food systems. The shock was experienced differently in different parts of given food systems, and the opportunities for adaptation varied. Some supply chains lost business, others had to adapt to rapidly increased demands, and surges. Our analysis reveals features of Australia's food systems, and their relationships to other systems, that have facilitated resilience, and features that have impeded it. We found that international supply chains are highly vulnerable to global shocks, that insecure employment conditions throughout the food system reduce the resilience of the system overall, and that consumers are not fully confident in supply chains. We observed the importance of agency and adaptive behaviour throughout the food systems as actors worked to build their own resilience, with consequences for other parts of the system. Our findings suggest that food system resilience can be enhanced by ensuring that the goals and priorities of those most vulnerable in society are recognised and addressed within decision making processes throughout the system.
Etiology Analysis and Diagnosis and Treatment Strategy of Traumatic Brain Injury Complicated With Hyponatremia
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Dong Wensheng , Dou Xianghong , Wang Jinjin , Yin Peng , Shi Hui
Published: February 2022

Objective

To explore the etiology and diagnosis and treatment strategy of traumatic brain injury complicated with hyponatremia.

Methods

90 patients with traumatic brain injury admitted to our hospital from December 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into hyponatremic group (50 patients) and non-hyponatremic group (40 patients) according to the patients' concomitant hyponatremia, and the clinical data of the two groups were collected and compared. In addition, patients in the hyponatremia group were divided into a control group and an experimental group of 25 patients each according to their order of admission, with the control group receiving conventional treatment and the experimental group using continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Hemodynamic indices, mortality and serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) indices before and after treatment were compared between the control and experimental groups. The Glasgow coma scale (GCS) was used to assess the degree of coma before and after the treatment in the two groups, and the patients' disease status was assessed using the Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation Scoring System (APACHE II).

Results

The etiology of traumatic brain injury complicated with hyponatremia is related to the degree of brain injury, ventricular hemorrhage, cerebral edema, and skull base fracture (P < 0.05). After the treatment, the hemodynamic indexes, APACHE II scores, death rate, and NSE levels of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.001); The experimental group yielded remarkably higher GAC scores as compared to the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The degree of brain injury, ventricular hemorrhage, cerebral edema, and skull base fracture were considered to be the main factors for traumatic brain injury complicated with hyponatremia. Continuous renal replacement therapy can effectively improve the clinical indicators of the patients with a promising curative effect, which merits promotion and application.
MSH3 Homology and Potential Recombination Link to SARS-CoV-2 Furin Cleavage Site
Authors: Ambati Balamurali K. , Varshney Akhil , Lundstrom Kenneth , Palú Giorgio , Uhal Bruce D. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Brufsky Adam M.
Published: February 2022

Among numerous point mutation differences between the SARS-CoV-2 and the bat RaTG13 coronavirus, only the 12-nucleotide furin cleavage site (FCS) exceeds 3 nucleotides. A BLAST search revealed that a 19 nucleotide portion of the SARS-CoV-2 genome encompassing the furin cleavage site is a 100% complementary match to a codon-optimized proprietary sequence that is the reverse complement of the human mutS homolog (MSH3). The reverse complement sequence present in SARS-CoV-2 may occur randomly but other possibilities must be considered. Recombination in an intermediate host is an unlikely explanation. Single stranded RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 utilize negative strand RNA templates in infected cells, which might lead through copy choice recombination with a negative sense SARS-CoV-2 RNA to the integration of the MSH3 negative strand, including the FCS, into the viral genome. In any case, the presence of the 19-nucleotide long RNA sequence including the FCS with 100% identity to the reverse complement of the MSH3 mRNA is highly unusual and requires further investigations.
Recurring Cystitis: How Can We Do Our Best to Help Patients Help Themselves?
Authors: Ben Hadj Messaoud Sarah , Demonchy Elisa , Mondain Véronique
Published: February 2022

Recurrent cystitis (RC) has rarely been studied; its management varies and research on a holistic approach of these patients is scarce. We attempted to characterize patients suffering from RC and investigated their current care pathways, aiming to offer customized and autonomous management. In this paper, we present a descriptive, single-center, cross-sectional study of women presenting with RC at an infectious disease (ID) clinic. A questionnaire was developed and was completed by ID physicians during patient visits. From October 2016 to January 2019, 202 women were included (mean age 59 years). Sexual intercourse, stress and diarrhoea/digestive symptoms were reported as trigger factors by 35%, 34% and 19% of patients, respectively. A majority (54%) were at risk for complications and were those more exposed to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. In total, 56% of women suffered from more than 10 episodes/year and 48% suffered from relapses, mainly due to E. coli. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) was a frequent complaint (74.5% of women). Fluoroquinolones and 3rd generation cephalosporins were prescribed in 38% and 30% of women, respectively. Most women wished for non-antimicrobial approaches and autonomy. Patients require comprehensive, tailored care in order to benefit from a broader range of treatment options in compliance with recommendations.
Hidden Information in Uniform Design for Visual and Near-Infrared Spectrum and for Inkjet Printing of Clothing on Canvas to Enhance Urban Security
Authors: Gršić Jana Žiljak , Jurečić Denis , Tepeš Golubić Lidija , Žiljak Vilko
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we publish the algorithm to create a dual image manifested in the infrared and visible spectrum. To distinguish the information in the two light spectra, twin dyes are introduced for the inkjet plotter and printing realization for garment and canvas items. The graphics, invisible to the naked eye, are designed for the near infrared (NIR) spectrum and are suitable for urban security where surveillance cameras with IR detectors are installed. The duality of dyes is presented in tables, and the analysis is a basis for programming and developing new algorithms for the application of “Infrared Dyeing” on different materials and printing technologies. Through spectroscopy, this innovative solution demonstrates twin colorants by printing in one pass through the plotter such that one image remains visible, while the other one is hidden to the bare eye. The uniform and the school bag cover presented in this paper are kept simple in design because they incorporate information hidden to the naked eye but visible with surveillance cameras and all the other infrared detectors. The article provides mathematical models of duality coloring as a basis for programming the graphic prepress that merges both of the images, the visual one and the infrared one. A topic is the fusion of two images with colors that represent two graphs, with independent contents for the visual and near-infrared spectrum.
Single and Multiple Continuous-Wave Interference Suppression Using Adaptive IIR Notch Filters Based on Direct-Form Structure in a QPSK Communication System
Authors: El Gebali Abdelrahman , Landry René Jr
Published: February 2022

The removal filter coefficients in this technique are dependent on the jammer’s power and its Instantaneous Frequency (IF) information, which can both be obtained in the time–frequency domain (adaptive filtering techniques). The dependence of the removing/reducing filter characteristics on the interference power is critical, as it allows an optimal trade-off between removal interference and the amount of self-noise generated by the filter. This trade-off is bounded by the two extreme cases of no notch filter (no self-noise) and full suppression (k1 = 1) for both low- and high-power jammer values. In this paper, a cascade second-order adaptive direct Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) Notch Filter (NF) with a gradient-based algorithm to suppress the Continuous-Wave (CW and MCW) interference is proposed for maximizing the receiver Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in a Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying (QPSK)-modulated signal. The suppression approach consists of two Adaptive IIR NFs (ANFs) based on a direct-form structure: the Hd1(z) and Hd1(z). The proposal in this work presents a low-complexity Time-Domain (TD) algorithm for controlling the update filter coefficient and notch depth. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach represents an effective method for removing/reducing the impacts of CWI/MCWI, resulting in improved system performance for low- and high-power jammer values when compared with the case of full suppression (k1 = 1); furthermore, it also improves the notch filter’s output SNR for a given Jamming-to-Signal Ratio (JSR) value and Bit Error Ratio (BER) performance. For example, the SNR output of the proposed IIR NF was enhanced by 7 dB versus the case without a filter when Eb/No = 15 dB and JSR = −5 dB. The proposed method can detect and mitigate weak and strong jamming with JSR values ranging from −30 to 40 dB, and can track the hopping frequency interference. Moreover, an improved BER performance is seen as compared to the case without an IIR NF.
Study on the Decrease in Air Dielectric Strength of DC Voltage According to the Ignition Properties of Combustibles
Authors: Chun Kihong , Song Dongwoo , Kim Kisung
Published: February 2022

Most electrical transmission lines are located in forests, and currently in South Korea, deregulation has allowed various structures to be built on the ground below transmission lines. Events of fires occurring below high-voltage transmission lines can lead to large-scale electrical accidents. To prevent such accidents, this study examined the ignition properties of combustible materials and their relationship with the reduction in air dielectric strength. Experiments were performed on two types of synthetic resins and lumbers, namely cypress and pine. A cone calorimeter was used to measure ignition properties such as effective heat of combustion, heat release rate, and soot yield. In addition, we built a dielectric strength testing device to measure the reduction in air dielectric strength caused by flames. These measurement results can serve as a basis for revising fire safety standards.
Safety and Efficacy of Indocyanine Green in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 11,047 Patients
Authors: Safiejko Kamil , Tarkowski Radoslaw , Kozlowski Tomasz Piotr , Koselak Maciej , Jachimiuk Marcin , Tarasik Aleksander , Pruc Michal , Smereka Jacek , Szarpak Lukasz
Published: February 2022

Despite the technological advances and improved surgical skills, the incidence of anastomotic leakage following colorectal cancer surgery still ranges from 4% to 19%. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of indocyanine green (ICG) use in colorectal cancer surgery. An online search of the Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases (from inception to 10 November 2021) was performed, in addition to manual screening. Thirty-two studies involving 11,047 patients were considered eligible for the meta-analysis. The anastomotic leak rate in the ICG and non-ICG groups varied and amounted to 3.7% vs. 7.6%, respectively (RR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.39–0.56; p < 0.001). The rate in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was 8.1% in the ICG group compared with 12.1% in the non-ICG group (RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.46–0.98; p = 0.04). In non-RCTs, it equaled 3.1% vs. 7.3%, respectively (RR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.35–0.52; p < 0.001). Although the publications encompassed in our meta-analysis present different patients, with different factors influencing the results, a pooled analysis revealed a lower incidence of anastomotic leak in cases with ICG use. There are several other convincing advantages: safety, simplicity, and short time of the method adjustment. The presented meta-analysis indicates ICG perfusion assessment as a tool worth considering to decrease the rate of complications following colorectal surgery—valuable in the context of other, well-known risk factors.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors as a Threat to the Hypothalamus–Pituitary Axis: A Completed Puzzle
Authors: Barnabei Agnese , Corsello Andrea , Paragliola Rosa Maria , Iannantuono Giovanni Maria , Falzone Luca , Corsello Salvatore Maria , Torino Francesco
Published: February 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) prolong the survival in an increasing number of patients affected by several malignancies, but at the cost of new toxicities related to their mechanisms of action, autoimmunity. Endocrine toxicity frequently occurs in patients on ICI, but endocrine dysfunctions differ based on the ICI-subclass, as follows: agents targeting the CTLA4-receptor often induce hypophysitis and rarely thyroid dysfunction, which is the opposite for agents targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Recently, few cases of central diabetes insipidus have been reported as an adverse event induced by both ICI-subclasses, either in the context of anterior hypophysitis or as selective damage to the posterior pituitary or in the context of hypothalamitis. These new occurrences demonstrate, for the first time, that ICI-induced autoimmunity may involve any tract of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis. However, the related pathogenic mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Similarly, the data explaining the endocrine system susceptibility to primary and ICI-induced autoimmunity are still scarce. Since ICI clinical indications are expected to expand in the near future, ICI-induced autoimmunity to the hypothalamic–pituitary axis presents as a unique in vivo model that could help to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms underlying both the dysfunction induced by ICI to the hypothalamus–pituitary axis and primary autoimmune diseases affecting the same axis.
Screening for Prognostic microRNAs Associated with Treatment Failure in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Bento Leyre , Vögler Oliver , Sas-Barbeito Adriana , Muncunill Josep , Ros Teresa , Martínez Jordi , Quintero-Duarte Adriana , Ramos Rafael , Asensio Víctor Jose , Fernández-Rodríguez Concepción , Salar Antonio , Navarro Alfons , del Campo Raquel , Ibarra Javier , Alemany Regina , Gutiérrez Antonio
Published: February 2022

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treatment with R-CHOP regimen produces 5-year progression-free survival and overall survival of around 60–70%. Our objective was to discover prognostic biomarkers allowing early detection of the remaining 30–40% with poor long-term outcome. For this purpose, we applied a novel strategy: from a cohort of DLBCL patients, treated with standard therapy, a discovery group of 12 patients with poor prognosis (advanced stage III–IV, R-IPI > 2) was formed, consisting of six chemoresistant (refractory/early relapse < 12 months) and six chemosensitive (complete remission > 3 years) subjects. By using microarray assays, the most differentially expressed miRNAs were defined as an initial set of prognostic miRNA candidates. Their expression was then analyzed in a validation cohort of 68 patients and the three miRNAs with the most significant impact on event-free and overall survival were selected. In the DLBCL cell line U-2932 the transfection with miR-1244 and miR-193b-5p, but not miR-1231, blocked the effect of CHOP on cell viability. A subsequent gene set enrichment analysis in patients revealed the implication of the first two miRNAs in cell cycle control and chemoresistance-related pathways, whereas the last one was involved in immunological processes. In conclusion, this novel strategy identified three promising prognostic markers for DLBCL patients at high risk of failure with standard therapy.
Together Alone: Going Online during COVID-19 Is Changing Scientific Conferences
Authors: Bray Heather J. , Stone Jennifer , Litchfield Lillith , Britt Kara L. , Hopper John L. , Ingman Wendy V.
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many scientific conferences to move online, posing a great challenge for scientific communication. This change offers potential advantages and disadvantages for inclusion, diversity, and scientific advancement. Here, we analyse participants’ experiences of the Why Study Mammographic Density? Conference to explore some of these issues and identify key points of contention between different stakeholders. We found that while increasing participant diversity is facilitated by online conferencing, if the participants cannot interact informally with each other, there is value which is lost. In returning to in-person conferences, it will be important not to “shut the door” on those whose participation was enabled by the online format.
A Simplified Approach for the Determination of Penetrant Residual Velocity for Penetration Processes
Authors: Alhulaifi Abdulaziz S.
Published: February 2022

The study’s main aim was to predict the penetrant residual velocity, with it being a vital output parameter in the projectile target interaction. The ballistics have been probed on a wide spectrum of impact velocities for different applications. Determination of the residual velocity by analytical methods entails the use of the impulse momentum principle, and the process is further challenged by the necessary inclusion of various variables that directly affect the calculation of the residual velocity. These problems can be overcome by adopting a non-dimensional approach by determining the combination of variables required for the penetration process by carrying out and validating the non-dimensionalization of the pertinent variables. The process discussed in this study provides a reasonable correlation of the non-dimensional parameters, which was used to estimate and validate penetrant residual velocity. A generalized solution predicting the penetrator residual velocity for a wide range of materials for a variety of impact velocities is proposed. The result of this correlation was validated against the published data, and the method was largely in agreement, showing the robustness of the proposed finding.
TPFusion: Texture Preserving Fusion of Infrared and Visible Images via Dense Networks
Authors: Yang Zhiguang , Zeng Shan
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we design an infrared (IR) and visible (VIS) image fusion via unsupervised dense networks, termed as TPFusion. Activity level measurements and fusion rules are indispensable parts of conventional image fusion methods. However, designing an appropriate fusion process is time-consuming and complicated. In recent years, deep learning-based methods are proposed to handle this problem. However, for multi-modality image fusion, using the same network cannot extract effective feature maps from source images that are obtained by different image sensors. In TPFusion, we can avoid this issue. At first, we extract the textural information of the source images. Then two densely connected networks are trained to fuse textural information and source image, respectively. By this way, we can preserve more textural details in the fused image. Moreover, loss functions we designed to constrain two densely connected convolutional networks are according to the characteristics of textural information and source images. Through our method, the fused image will obtain more textural information of source images. For proving the validity of our method, we implement comparison and ablation experiments from the qualitative and quantitative assessments. The ablation experiments prove the effectiveness of TPFusion. Being compared to existing advanced IR and VIS image fusion methods, our fusion results possess better fusion results in both objective and subjective aspects. To be specific, in qualitative comparisons, our fusion results have better contrast ratio and abundant textural details. In quantitative comparisons, TPFusion outperforms existing representative fusion methods.
A Novel Compensation Circuit for Capacitive Power Transfer System to Realize Desired Constant Current and Constant Voltage Output
Authors: Dong Bo , Chen Yang , Lian Jing , Qu Xiaohui
Published: February 2022

Capacitive power transfer (CPT) technique possesses the advantages of safety, isolation, low cost, and insensitivity to conductive barriers. To charge lithium-ion batteries, CPT should possess the output profile consisting of first constant current (CC) output and later constant voltage (CV) output. To fulfill the output profile, many power switches or compensation components are added in the CPT circuit, which is not expected due to the bulky size and additional losses. To reduce the redundancy of the CPT system, an Lx-PS CPT circuit with only five compensation components is proposed in this paper. After a systematic analysis and a parameter design procedure, the proposed CPT circuit can realize input ZPA at both CC and CV modes. In addition, the output current at CC mode and the output voltage at CV mode are all adjustable based on the charging demands of different loads. Finally, simulations are done to prove the analysis in this paper. Compared to previous research, the CPT circuit proposed in this paper can not only achieve the charging demands of lithium-ion batteries, but also reduce the redundancy of the whole system.
A Robust Algorithm for State-of-Charge Estimation under Model Uncertainty and Voltage Sensor Bias
Authors: Guo Yang , Lu Ziguang
Published: February 2022

Accurate estimation of the state of charge (SOC) of zinc–nickel single-flow batteries (ZNBs) is an important problem in battery management systems (BMSs). A nonideal electromagnetic environment will usually cause the measured signal to contain nonnegligible noise and bias. At the same time, due to the influence of battery ageing, environmental temperature changes, and a complex reaction mechanism, it is difficult to establish a very accurate system model that can be applied to various complex working conditions. The unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is a widely used SOC estimation algorithm, but the UKF will reduce the estimation accuracy and divergence under the influence of inaccurate model and sensor errors. To improve the performance of the UKF, a robust desensitized unscented Kalman filter (RDUKF) is proposed to realize an accurate SOC estimation of batteries in the context of different disturbances. Then, the proposed method is applied to cases of error interference, such as Gaussian noise, voltage sensor drift, an unknown initial state, and inaccurate model parameters. The simulation and experimental results show that compared with the standard UKF algorithm, the proposed estimation algorithm can effectively suppress the influence of various errors and disturbances and achieve higher accuracy and robustness.
Microsatellite Analysis Revealing High Genetic Diversity of the Chestnut Blight Fungus in South Tyrol (Northern Italy)
Authors: Ahmad Farooq , Baric Sanja
Published: February 2022

Cryphonectria parasitica, which causes chestnut blight, is one of the most important pathogens of forest trees. In Europe, mycovirus-mediated biocontrol is the most efficient method to control the disease but can be impeded by the lack of information about the population structure of the fungus within a region. In particular, sexual reproduction and the new introduction of the pathogen can complicate biocontrol strategies. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the population structure of C. parasitica, which causes chestnut blight, in the northern Italian region of South Tyrol, using eleven multilocus microsatellite markers. Fifty-one haplotypes were found across South Tyrol, belonging to three divergent clusters. Recombinant genotypes demonstrated that sexual reproduction occurs across the different clusters. The most dominant genotypes in the region were also the most dominant in neighboring areas, such as Switzerland, northern Italy and France. All of the clusters from South Tyrol were related to the Italian genotype pool and are thought to have been introduced from northern Italian and other European populations due to naturally occurring gene flow or human-mediated introduction. At least three separate introduction events of C. parasitica might have happened in South Tyrol that could be separated by time. This study demonstrated a high genetic diversity of C. parasitica in South Tyrol and helped to shed light on the sexual reproduction and introduction events in the local populations.
Secondary Succession in the Tropical Lowland Rainforest Reduced the Stochasticity of Soil Bacterial Communities through the Stability of Plant Communities
Authors: Hu Xuan , Shu Qi , Shang Zean , Guo Wen , Qi Lianghua
Published: February 2022

The effects of natural succession on plant and soil bacterial communities were previously established, but changes in plant and soil bacterial communities and their response to soil properties are not well characterized in different stages of secondary forest succession, especially in tropical regions with endemic plant species. We investigated the dynamics of plant communities, soil properties and the structure of soil bacterial communities at sites representing 33 (early successional stage), 60 (early-mid successional stage) and 73 (mid successional stage) years of secondary succession in the tropical lowland rainforest of Hainan, China, by using16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. From the perspective of plant composition, the number of families, genera and species were increasing along with the progress of succession. Additionally, the changes in the ranking of important values along with the progress of the forest succession were consistent with the niche width calculated by the previous stage of the plant community. The results of niche overlap, Pearson’s correlation and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients and significance indicated that in the early stage of succession, tree species did not fully utilize environmental resources. Then, as time went by, the number of negative correlations of plants in the early-mid stage was more than that in the mid stage of succession. Significant differences were found in the species richness of soil microorganisms among the three successional stages. Nutrient contents in early successional stage rainforests were less abundant than in early-mid and mid forest soils. The influence of soil nutrient concentration, particularly N and P content, on soil bacterial composition at the phylum level was larger in the early-mid stage than in the mid stage. The stochasticity of the soil bacterial community at the early successional stage of the rainforest was significantly higher than that at mid stage. Overall, as the diversity of plant communities increased, the competition decreased, the soil nutrient content changed and the stochasticity of soil bacterial communities decreased as a result of forest succession.
Does Vertical Greening Really Play Such a Big Role in an Indoor Thermal Environment?
Authors: Li Jiayu , Zheng Bohong
Published: February 2022

Little attention has been paid to indoor cooling compared with the surface cooling of vertical greening. The few studies on the indoor cooling of vertical greening are almost all conducted in a hot climate area with windowless building models, which is suspected to exaggerate the role of vertical greening in an indoor thermal environment. Through two improvements, this paper explored the realistic impact of vertical greening on an indoor thermal environment. First, we built models according to the actual window-to-wall ratio rather than a fictitious model without windows. Second, an annual cycle evaluation, considering both hot summer and cold winter, was used to replace the typical hot day. With the support of Envi-met and Kriging models, the results revealed that the existing research not only exaggerated vertical greening’s positive effects on an indoor thermal environment in hot seasons but also ignored its potential harms to thermal perception in cold seasons. These exaggerated results could easily cause the abuse of vertical greening in cities. In actual windowed buildings, the role of vertical greening in indoor temperatures is not always positive, and the positive effect is not as strong as previous studies suggest.
Physicochemical and Functional Modifications of Hemp Protein Concentrate by the Application of Ultrasonication and pH Shifting Treatments
Authors: Kahraman Ozan , Petersen Greg E. , Fields Christine
Published: February 2022

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), protein demand is expected to increase globally by around 40% by 2030 as a response to the world’s population growth. Due to their clean label, vegan or vegetarian based applications, nutritional value, and cost-efficient properties, plant-based proteins have been widely studied. However, most of the alternatives currently found in the market have some challenges because of their poor solubility, emulsifying, gelling, and foaming attributes. Hemp seed protein has gained increasing attention due to its unique amino acids and fatty acids profiles. In this study, commercial HPC mixtures were adjusted to pH 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 followed by ultrasonication (US) for 5 min (5 s on: 5 s off) and incubated for an hour before neutralizing to pH 7. Following the treatments, the samples were analyzed for their hydrodynamic diameter, conductivity, zeta potential, polydispersity index, surface hydrophobicity, solubility, electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), free sulfhydryl group, and optical characteristics. The samples treated with ultrasound at pH 8 and 10 significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the solubility of the hemp seed protein by 12.12% and 19.05%, respectively. Similarly, the samples treated with ultrasonication and pH shifting at pH 6, 8, and 10 also significantly increased the amount of free sulfhydryl content (p < 0.05) to 41.6, 58.72, and 46.54 mmol/g from 32.8 mmol/g, respectively. This study shows that the application of ultrasonication and pH shifting is a promising alternative method to modify the functional properties of HPC and widen their applications in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
Clinical, Histological, Cytogenetic and Molecular Analysis of Monozygous Twins with Wilms Tumor
Authors: Iwańczyk Katarzyna , Czachowski Bartosz , Sosnowska-Sienkiewicz Patrycja , Telman Gabriela , Ciążyńska Paulina , Mańkowski Przemysław , Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska Danuta
Published: February 2022

The familial occurrence of childhood cancers has been proven for a long time. Wilms’ tumors often do not have a clear germline genetic cause. However, approximately 2% of all nephroblastoma cases are familial. Descriptions of twins with the same cancer are extremely rare, so our aim was to present the background of the available literature of the occurrence of Wilms’ tumor in a pair of monozygotic twin girls with detailed clinical, histological, and molecular analysis. Two twins were born of unrelated Caucasian parents. Family history revealed no known chronic diseases or malformations. At the age of 3.5 years, the first twin was admitted to the emergency department due to hematuria and abdominal pain. Ultrasound examination revealed an enlarged right kidney, 12.8 cm, with a mass in the upper pole measuring 56 × 69 × 78 mm. The second girl was referred for an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed a right kidney measuring 8.6 cm with a central mass measuring 54 × 45 × 41 mm. Both children underwent surgical resection, and the histopathological result showed a mixed form of nephroblastoma, predominantly epithelioid with residual blastemal compartment. Detailed clinical, histological, cytogenetic, and molecular analyses were performed on both sisters. It was also decided to identify environmental factors. Information was obtained that the girls’ parents run a farm and regularly use pesticides and chemical rodenticides. Based on our observations and the available literature, Wilms tumor in monozygotic twins may be present. Both genetic and environmental factors may be involved in the development of tumors. After excluding methylation abnormalities and mutations in the genes studied, we questioned whether the onset of Wilms tumor in both sisters could be the result of exposure of the twins’ parents to pesticides.
Single-Cell Transcriptome and Network Analyses Unveil Key Transcription Factors Regulating Mesophyll Cell Development in Maize
Authors: Tao Shentong , Liu Peng , Shi Yining , Feng Yilong , Gao Jingjing , Chen Lifen , Zhang Aicen , Cheng Xuejiao , Wei Hairong , Zhang Tao , Zhang Wenli
Published: February 2022

Background: Maize mesophyll (M) cells play important roles in various biological processes such as photosynthesis II and secondary metabolism. Functional differentiation occurs during M-cell development, but the underlying mechanisms for regulating M-cell development are largely unknown. Results: We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile transcripts in maize leaves. We then identified coregulated modules by analyzing the resulting pseudo-time-series data through gene regulatory network analyses. WRKY, ERF, NAC, MYB and Heat stress transcription factor (HSF) families were highly expressed in the early stage, whereas CONSTANS (CO)-like (COL) and ERF families were highly expressed in the late stage of M-cell development. Construction of regulatory networks revealed that these transcript factor (TF) families, especially HSF and COL, were the major players in the early and later stages of M-cell development, respectively. Integration of scRNA expression matrix with TF ChIP-seq and Hi-C further revealed regulatory interactions between these TFs and their targets. HSF1 and COL8 were primarily expressed in the leaf bases and tips, respectively, and their targets were validated with protoplast-based ChIP-qPCR, with the binding sites of HSF1 being experimentally confirmed. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that several TF families, with the involvement of epigenetic regulation, play vital roles in the regulation of M-cell development in maize.
Reading Loops with Boccaccio, Freud and Morton
Authors: Franzén Carin
Published: February 2022

This article assesses the notion of ecological awareness through a re-reading of Giovanni Boccaccio’s classic Decameron, together with Sigmund Freud and Timothy Morton. The purpose is not primarily to trace antecedents to modern and late modern thought, but rather to follow a loop that in different ways is tangible in their works and links them together despite their temporal and thematic differences. If Freud and Morton possess heuristic value for a re-reading of Boccaccio, his way of articulating an earlier and freethinking vein in the humanist tradition may prompt us to see not only what an ecological thought may be, but also that it has always been there as an unconscious awareness. We suggest that such a loop can function as a liberating deviation from a linear idea of living at the end of times. In this article, we also follow this temporal and thematic loop as a tension between disruptiveness and interconnectedness that Freud metaphorically and mythologically describes as a battle between the two giants Thanatos and Eros. From Morton’s ecological perspective, everything’s interconnectedness (or Eros in Freud’s mythological description) is precisely what has been denied or repressed in the anthropocentric strive to master the world. What is interesting in this regard is that Boccaccio, by taking a specific disastrous event—the plague—as his starting point, also makes Thanatos and Eros the themes that interconnect his stories into a weird loop.