bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Analysis of the Simplified Student Sight Savers Program on Open-Angle Glaucoma Cost Burden in Underserved Communities
Authors: Bradshaw Justin T. , Peterson Telyn , Parker Lawsen M. , Richards Zeke , Skidmore Chad J. , Brighton Kevin , Muir Maxton W. , Moody Alexandra , Collyer Andrew , Zapata Isain , Brooks Amanda E. , Reyes Marcos
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Unfortunately, no noticeable symptoms exist until mid- to late-stage glaucoma, leading to substantial costs to the patient and the healthcare system. (2) Methods: The Student Sight Savers Program, an initiative started at Johns Hopkins University, was designed to meet the needs of community screening for glaucoma. Several medical students at the Rocky Vista University in Saint George, Utah, were trained, and screened patients at local fairs and gathering places using a modified version of this program. Patients found to have elevated pressure (>21 mmHg) or other ocular abnormalities were referred for an ophthalmological examination. (3) Results: Individuals from medically underserved areas/populations (MUA/Ps) were nearly three times as likely to have elevated intraocular pressure as individuals not in underserved areas (p = 0.0141). A further analysis demonstrates that medical students can help reduce medical costs for patients and the healthcare system by providing referrals to ophthalmologists and reaching populations that are not usually screened for glaucoma. (4) Conclusions: Allowing medical students to perform community-based glaucoma screening events in MUA/Ps using handheld tonometers may decrease the cost burden associated with late diagnosis, and raise awareness about glaucoma, especially in underserved populations.
How Well Do Low Population-Specific Values for Muscle Parameters Associate with Indices of Poor Physical Health? Cross-Sectional Data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study
Authors: Sui Sophia X. , Holloway-Kew Kara L. , Hyde Natalie K. , Williams Lana J. , Tembo Monica C. , West Emma , Pasco Julie A.
Published: May 2022

We aimed to examine associations between skeletal muscle deficits and indices of poor health. Cut-points for skeletal muscle deficits were derived using data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study and definitions from the revised European Consensus on Definition and Diagnosis and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. Participants (n = 665; 323 women) aged 60–96 year had handgrip strength measured by dynamometry and appendicular lean mass by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test. Sex-specific cut-points were equivalent to two standard deviations below the mean young reference range from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Indices of poor health included fractures, falls, and hospitalisations. Low trauma fractures since age 50 year (excluding skull, face, digits) were self-reported and confirmed using radiological reports. Falls (≥1 in the past 12 months) and hospitalisations (past month) were self-reported. Logistic regression models (age- and sex-adjusted) were used to examine associations. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were applied to determine optimal cut-points for handgrip strength, Timed Up and Go, appendicular lean mass/height2, and appendicular lean mass/body mass index that discriminated poor health outcomes. There were 48 participants (6.9%) with hospitalisations, 94 (13.4%) with fractures, and 177 (25.3%) with at least one fall (≥1). For all cut-points, low handgrip strength was consistently associated with falls. There was little evidence to support an association between low appendicular lean mass, using any cut-point, and indices of poor health. Optimal cut-offs for predicting falls (≥1) were: handgrip strength 17.5 kg for women and 33.5 kg for men; Timed Up and Go 8.6 s for women and 9.9 s for men; appendicular lean mass/height2 6.2 kg/m2 for women and 7.46 kg/m2 for men; and appendicular lean mass/body mass index 0.6 m2 for women and 0.9 m2 for men. In conclusion, muscle strength and function performed better than lean mass to indicate poor health. These findings add to the growing evidence base to inform decisions regarding the selection of skeletal muscle parameters and their optimal cut-points for identifying sarcopenia.
Saving of Time Using a Software-Based versus a Manual Workflow for Toric Intraocular Lens Calculation and Implantation
Authors: Brunner Barbara S. , Luft Nikolaus , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Shajari Mehdi , Mayer Wolfgang J. , Kassumeh Stefan
Published: May 2022

Background: To determine whether there is a significant saving of time when using a digital cataract workflow for digital data transfer compared to a manual approach of biometry assessment, data export, intraocular lens calculation, and surgery time. Methods: In total, 48 eyes of 24 patients were divided into two groups: 24 eyes were evaluated using a manual approach, whereas another 24 eyes underwent a full digital lens surgery workflow. The primary variables for comparison between both groups were the overall time as well as several time steps starting at optical biometry acquisition until the end of the surgical lens implantation. Other outcomes, such as toric intraocular lens misalignment, reduction of cylinder, surgically induced astigmatism, prediction error, and distance visual acuity were measured. Results: Overall, the total diagnostic and surgical time was reduced from 1364.1 ± 202.6 s in the manual group to 1125.8 ± 183.2 s in the digital group (p < 0.001). The complete time of surgery declined from 756.5 ± 82.3 s to 667.3 ± 56.3 (p < 0.0005). Compared to the manual approach of biometric data export and intraocular lens calculation (76.7 ± 12.3 s) as well as the manual export of the reference image to a portable external storage device (26.8 ± 5.5 s), a highly significant saving of time was achieved (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Using a software-based digital approach to toric intraocular lens implantation is convenient, more efficient, and thus more economical than a manual workflow in surgery practice.
Single-Cell RNA Transcriptomics Reveals the State of Hepatic Lymphatic Endothelial Cells in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Li Hao , Zhou Chen , Liu Kai , Peng Bo , She Xingguo , Cheng Ke , Liu Hong , Ming Yingzi
Published: May 2022

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is an acutely decompensated cirrhosis syndrome with high short-term mortality. Very little is known about the relationship between the lymphatic system and ACLF. We explored the role of hepatic lymphatic vessels (LVs) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LyECs) in ACLF using human liver samples with the help of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology. Here, ACLF exhibited more severe liver injury and inflammation than cirrhosis, as indicated by significant increases in plasma levels of alanine/aspartate aminotransferases and total bilirubin. Compared with cirrhosis cases, the number of intrahepatic LVs was decreased significantly in ACLF patients. ScRNA-seq revealed that many monocyte/macrophages infiltrated into the liver of ACLF cases. Meanwhile, scRNA-seq revealed a group of apoptotic and dysfunctional LyECs, which were the result of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) released from infiltrating monocyte/macrophages. In vitro, SPP1 increased the proportion of dead LyECs significantly and impaired the ability of tube formation of LyECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, ACLF is associated with less LV and LyEC dysfunction, at least in part mediated by SPP1 released from infiltrating monocyte/macrophages. Hepatic LVs and LyECs can be a novel therapeutic strategy for ACLF.
Advances on Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders: Pathophysiology, Diagnostics and Management
Authors: Mari Amir , Savarino Edoardo
Published: May 2022

Symptoms related to abnormalities in gastrointestinal tract motility and functions are very common in the general population, affecting both pediatrics and adults, from both sexes [...]
CD24 Is a Prognostic Marker for Multiple Myeloma Progression and Survival
Authors: Gross Even-Zohar Noa , Pick Marjorie , Hofstetter Liron , Shaulov Adir , Nachmias Boaz , Lebel Eyal , Gatt Moshe E.
Published: May 2022

Surface antigens are commonly used in flow cytometry assays for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM). Some of these are directly involved in MM pathogenesis or interactions with the microenvironment, but most are used for either diagnostic or prognostic purposes. In a previous study, we showed that in-vitro, CD24-positive plasma cells exhibit a less tumorigenic phenotype. Here, we assessed the prognostic importance of CD24 expression in patients newly diagnosed with MM as it correlates to their clinical course. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry of 124 patients uniformly treated by a bortezomib-based protocol was performed. The expression of CD24, CD117, CD19, CD45, and CD56 in bone marrow PCs was tested for correlations to clinical parameters. None of the CD markers correlated with the response rates to first-line therapy. However, patients with elevated CD24+ expression on their PCs at diagnosis had a significantly longer PFS (p = 0.002) and OS (p = 0.044). In contrast, the expression of CD117, CD56, or CD45 was found to have no prognostic value; CD19 expression was inversely correlated with PFS alone (p < 0.001) and not with OS. Thus, elevated CD24 expression on PCs appears to be strongly correlated with survival and can be used as a single-surface antigenic prognostic factor in MM.
Comparison of Ultrasound Image Classifier Deep Learning Algorithms for Shrapnel Detection
Authors: Boice Emily N. , Hernandez-Torres Sofia I. , Snider Eric J.
Published: May 2022

Ultrasound imaging is essential in emergency medicine and combat casualty care, oftentimes used as a critical triage tool. However, identifying injuries, such as shrapnel embedded in tissue or a pneumothorax, can be challenging without extensive ultrasonography training, which may not be available in prolonged field care or emergency medicine scenarios. Artificial intelligence can simplify this by automating image interpretation but only if it can be deployed for use in real time. We previously developed a deep learning neural network model specifically designed to identify shrapnel in ultrasound images, termed ShrapML. Here, we expand on that work to further optimize the model and compare its performance to that of conventional models trained on the ImageNet database, such as ResNet50. Through Bayesian optimization, the model’s parameters were further refined, resulting in an F1 score of 0.98. We compared the proposed model to four conventional models: DarkNet-19, GoogleNet, MobileNetv2, and SqueezeNet which were down-selected based on speed and testing accuracy. Although MobileNetv2 achieved a higher accuracy than ShrapML, there was a tradeoff between accuracy and speed, with ShrapML being 10× faster than MobileNetv2. In conclusion, real-time deployment of algorithms such as ShrapML can reduce the cognitive load for medical providers in high-stress emergency or miliary medicine scenarios.
Embedded Object Detection with Custom LittleNet, FINN and Vitis AI DCNN Accelerators
Authors: Machura Michal , Danilowicz Michal , Kryjak Tomasz
Published: May 2022

Object detection is an essential component of many systems used, for example, in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or advanced video surveillance systems (AVSS). Currently, the highest detection accuracy is achieved by solutions using deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN). Unfortunately, these come at the cost of a high computational complexity; hence, the work on the widely understood acceleration of these algorithms is very important and timely. In this work, we compare three different DCNN hardware accelerator implementation methods: coarse-grained (a custom accelerator called LittleNet), fine-grained (FINN) and sequential (Vitis AI). We evaluate the approaches in terms of object detection accuracy, throughput and energy usage on the VOT and VTB datasets. We also present the limitations of each of the methods considered. We describe the whole process of DNNs implementation, including architecture design, training, quantisation and hardware implementation. We used two custom DNN architectures to obtain a higher accuracy, higher throughput and lower energy consumption. The first was implemented in SystemVerilog and the second with the FINN tool from AMD Xilinx. Next, both approaches were compared with the Vitis AI tool from AMD Xilinx. The final implementations were tested on the Avnet Ultra96-V2 development board with the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC ZCU3EG device. For two different DNNs architectures, we achieved a throughput of 196 fps for our custom accelerator and 111 fps for FINN. The same networks implemented with Vitis AI achieved 123.3 fps and 53.3 fps, respectively.
Synergistic In Vitro Interaction of Isavuconazole and Isoquercitrin against Candida glabrata
Authors: Schwarz Petra V. , Nikolskiy Ilya , Dannaoui Eric , Sommer Frank , Bange Gert , Schwarz Patrick
Published: May 2022

In vitro interactions of broad-spectrum azole isavuconazole with flavonoid isoquercitrin were evaluated by a broth microdilution checkerboard technique based on the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) reference methodology for antifungal susceptibility testing against 60 Candida strains belonging to the species Candida albicans (n = 10), Candida glabrata (n = 30), Candida kefyr (n = 6), Candida krusei (n = 5), Candida parapsilosis (n = 4), and Candida tropicalis (n = 5). The results were analyzed with the fractional inhibitory concentration index and by response surface analysis based on the Bliss model. Synergy was found for all C. glabrata strains, when the results were interpreted by the fractional inhibitory concentration index, and for 60% of the strains when response surface analysis was used. Interaction for all other species was indifferent for all strains tested, whatever interpretation model used. Importantly, antagonistic interaction was never observed.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum SsCut1 Modulates Virulence and Cutinase Activity
Authors: Gong Yingdi , Fu Yanping , Xie Jiatao , Li Bo , Chen Tao , Lin Yang , Chen Weidong , Jiang Daohong , Cheng Jiasen
Published: May 2022

The plant cuticle is one of the protective layers of the external surface of plant tissues. Plants use the cuticle layer to reduce water loss and resist pathogen infection. Fungi release cell wall-degrading enzymes to destroy the epidermis of plants to achieve the purpose of infection. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum secretes a large amount of cutinase to disrupt the cuticle layer of plants during the infection process. In order to further understand the role of cutinase in the pathogenic process of S. sclerotiorum, the S. sclerotiorum cutinsae 1 (SsCut1) gene was cloned and analyzed. The protein SsCut1 contains the conserved cutinase domain and a fungal cellulose-binding domain. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of SsCut1 was significantly upregulated during infection. Split-Marker recombination was utilized for the deletion of the SsCut1 gene, ΔSsCut1 mutants showed reduced cutinase activity and virulence, but the deletion of the SsCut1 gene had no effect on the growth rate, colony morphology, oxalic acid production, infection cushion formation and sclerotial development. Complementation with the wild-type SsCut1 allele restored the cutinase activity and virulence to the wild-type level. Interestingly, expression of SsCut1 in plants can trigger defense responses, but it also enhanced plant susceptibility to SsCut1 gene knock-out mutants. Taken together, our finding demonstrated that the SsCut1 gene promotes the virulence of S. sclerotiorum by enhancing its cutinase activity.
Special Issue “Signal Transductions in Fungi”
Authors: Kück Ulrich
Published: May 2022

In all living organisms, extracellular signals are translated into specific responses through signal transduction processes [...]
The Search for Cryptic L-Rhamnosyltransferases on the Sporothrix schenckii Genome
Authors: Mora-Montes Héctor M. , García-Gutiérrez Karina , García-Carnero Laura C. , Lozoya-Pérez Nancy E. , Ramirez-Prado Jorge H.
Published: May 2022

The fungal cell wall is an attractive structure to look for new antifungal drug targets and for understanding the host-fungus interaction. Sporothrix schenckii is one of the main causative agents of both human and animal sporotrichosis and currently is the species most studied of the Sporothrix genus. The cell wall of this organism has been previously analyzed, and rhamnoconjugates are signature molecules found on the surface of both mycelia and yeast-like cells. Similar to other reactions where sugars are covalently linked to other sugars, lipids, or proteins, the rhamnosylation process in this organism is expected to involve glycosyltransferases with the ability to transfer rhamnose from a sugar donor to the acceptor molecule, i.e., rhamnosyltransferases. However, no obvious rhamnosyltransferase has thus far been identified within the S. schenckii proteome or genome. Here, using a Hidden Markov Model profile strategy, we found within the S. schenckii genome five putative genes encoding for rhamnosyltransferases. Expression analyses indicated that only two of them, named RHT1 and RHT2, were significantly expressed in yeast-like cells and during interaction with the host. These two genes were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, and the purified recombinant proteins showed rhamnosyltransferase activity, dependent on the presence of UDP-rhamnose as a sugar donor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about rhamnosyltransferases in S. schenckii.
Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Characterizations Reveal Four New Species, Two New Asexual Morph Reports, and Six New Country Records of Bambusicolous Roussoella from China
Authors: Dai Dong-Qin , Wijayawardene Nalin N. , Dayarathne Monika C. , Kumla Jaturong , Han Li-Su , Zhang Gui-Qing , Zhang Xian , Zhang Ting-Ting , Chen Huan-Huan
Published: May 2022

During the ongoing investigation of bambusicolous ascomycetous fungi in Yunnan, China, 24 specimens belonging to the family Roussoellaceae were collected and identified based on morphological features and phylogenetic support. Maximum-likelihood (ML) analyses and Bayesian analyses were generated based on the combined data set of ITS, LSU, tef1, and rpb2 loci. The phylogenetic analyses revealed four novel lineages in Roussoella s. str.; thus, we introduced four new species viz., Roussoella multiloculate sp. nov., R. papillate sp. nov., R. sinensis sp. nov., and R. uniloculata sp. nov. Their morphological characters were compared with the known Roussoella taxa, which lack sequence data in the GenBank. Asexual morphs of R. kunmingensis and R. padinae were recorded from dead bamboo culms in China (from the natural substrates) for the first time. Neoroussoella bambusae, Roussoella japanensis, R. nitidula, R. padinae, R. scabrispora, and R. tuberculate were also reported as the first records from China. All new taxa are described and illustrated in detail. Plates are provided for new reports.
CYP51 Mutations in the Fusarium solani Species Complex: First Clue to Understand the Low Susceptibility to Azoles of the Genus Fusarium
Authors: Vermeulen Pierre , Gruez Arnaud , Babin Anne-Lyse , Frippiat Jean-Pol , Machouart Marie , Debourgogne Anne
Published: May 2022

Members of Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) are cosmopolitan filamentous fungi responsible for invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Despite the treatment recommendations, many strains show reduced sensitivity to voriconazole. The objective of this work was to investigate the potential relationship between azole susceptibility and mutations in CYP51 protein sequences. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for azole antifungals have been determined using the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) microdilution method on a panel of clinical and environmental strains. CYP51A, CYP51B and CYP51C genes for each strain have been sequenced using the Sanger method. Amino acid substitutions described in multiple azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (mtrAf) strains have been sought and compared with other Fusarium complexes’ strains. Our results show that FSSC exhibit point mutations similar to those described in mtrAf. Protein sequence alignments of CYP51A, CYP51B and CYP51C have highlighted different profiles based on sequence similarity. A link between voriconazole MICs and protein sequences was observed, suggesting that these mutations could be an explanation for the intrinsic azole resistance in the genus Fusarium. Thus, this innovative approach provided clues to understand low azole susceptibility in FSSC and may contribute to improving the treatment of FSSC infection.
Usability Testing of a Social Media Chatbot for Increasing Physical Activity Behavior
Authors: Larbi Dillys , Denecke Kerstin , Gabarron Elia
Published: May 2022

Digital interventions for increasing physical activity behavior have shown great potential, especially those with social media. Chatbots, also known as conversational agents, have emerged in healthcare in relation to digital interventions and have proven effective in promoting physical activity among adults. The study’s objective is to explore users’ experiences with a social media chatbot. The concept and the prototype development of the social media chatbot MYA were realized in three steps: requirement analysis, concept development, and implementation. MYA’s design includes behavior change techniques effective in increasing physical activity through digital interventions. Participants in a usability study answered a survey with the Chatbot Usability Questionnaire (CUQ), which is comparable to the Systems Usability Scale. The mean CUQ score was below 68, the benchmark for average usability. The highest mean CUQ score was 64.5 for participants who thought MYA could help increase their physical activity behavior. The lowest mean CUQ score was 40.6 for participants aged between 50 and 69 years. Generally, MYA was considered to be welcoming, very easy to use, realistic, engaging, and informative. However, some technical issues were identified. A good and diversified user experience promotes prolonged chatbot use. Addressing identified issues will enhance users’ interaction with MYA.
Maritime Telemedicine: Design and Development of an Advanced Healthcare System Called Marine Doctor
Authors: Battineni Gopi , Chintalapudi Nalini , Amenta Francesco
Published: May 2022

Background: The availability of better healthcare services is critical for onboard seafarers. The development of expert systems can help ships with limited medical facilities, which allow the shipside doctors to properly refer symptoms to remote doctors. This allows clinicians to make a correct diagnosis from there, which leads to proper treatment. A software named Marine Doctor (M Doc) has been developed by incorporating computing technologies to address this objective. Methods: With the help of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) this application can support the provision of appropriate medical assistance to seafarers. The system was developed with Python Tkinter (frontend) and PHP (backend) languages. MySQL was used as a server database. Results: Seafarers can use M Doc to benefit from medical advice that can reduce complications due to misdiagnosis and help doctors to make better-informed decisions. By automatically collecting appropriate sequences of symptoms, doctors will be able to generate proper information for referral of patient symptoms and subsequent advice based on the data. Conclusions: Technology that supports experts on board ships in better interacting with Telemedical Maritime Assistance Services (TMAS) could define the future of medical assistance at sea.
Interplay between Comprehensive Inflammation Indices and Redox Biomarkers in Testicular Germ-Cell Tumors
Authors: Bumbasirevic Uros , Bojanic Nebojsa , Simic Tatjana , Milojevic Bogomir , Zivkovic Marko , Kosanovic Tijana , Kajmakovic Boris , Janicic Aleksandar , Durutovic Otas , Radovanovic Milan , Santric Veljko , Zekovic Milica , Coric Vesna
Published: May 2022

Sustained and dysregulated inflammation, concurrent tumor-induced immune suppression, and oxidative stress are profoundly involved in cancer initiation, presentation, and perpetuation. Within this prospective study, we simultaneously analyzed the preoperative indices of systemic inflammatory response and the representative byproducts of oxidative DNA, protein, and lipid damage with the aim of evaluating their clinical relevance among patients diagnosed with testicular germ-cell tumors (GCT). In the analytical cohort (n = 88, median age 34 years), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly altered in patients with a higher tumor stage (p < 0.05). Highly suggestive correlations were found between NLR, dNLR, and SII and modified nucleoside 8-OHdG. CRP and albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) significantly correlated with thiols group level and maximal tumor dimension (p < 0.05). Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, all the evaluated pre-orchiectomy inflammation markers demonstrated strong performance in predicting metastatic disease; optimal cut-off points were determined for each indicator. Although further large-scale studies are warranted, inflammatory and redox indices may both complement the established tumor markers and standard clinicopathological prognostic variables and contribute to enhanced personalized risk-assessment among testicular GCT patients.
BMI at Discharge from Treatment Predicts Relapse in Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Frostad Stein , Rozakou-Soumalia Natalia , Dârvariu Ştefana , Foruzesh Bahareh , Azkia Helia , Larsen Malina Ploug , Rowshandel Ehsan , Sjögren Jan Magnus
Published: May 2022

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) has high rates of enduring disease and mortality. Currently, there is insufficient knowledge on the predictors of relapse after weight normalization and this is why a systematic literature review was performed. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, PsychInfo, and Cochrane databases were searched for literature published until 13 July 2021. All study designs were eligible for inclusion if they focused on predictors of relapse after weight normalization in AN. Individual study definitions of relapse were used, and in general, this was either a drop in BMI and/or reccurrence of AN symptoms. Results: The database search identified 11,507 publications, leaving 9511 publications after the removal of duplicates and after a review of abstracts and titles; 191 were selected for full-text review. Nineteen publications met the criteria and included 1398 AN patients and 39 healthy controls (HC) from adults and adolescents (ages range 11–73 years). The majority used a prospective observational study design (12 studies), a few used a retrospective observational design (6 studies), and only one was a non-randomized control trial (NRCT). Sample sizes ranged from 16 to 191 participants. BMI or measures of body fat and leptin levels at discharge were the strongest predictors of relapse with an approximate relapse rate of 50% at 12 months. Other predictors included signs of eating disorder psychopathology at discharge. Conclusions: BMI at the end of treatment is a predictor of relapse in AN, which is why treatment should target a BMI well above 20. Together with the time to relapse, these outcomes are important to include in the evaluation of current and novel treatments in AN and for benchmarking.
Carbon Emission Intensity Characteristics and Spatial Spillover Effects in Counties in Northeast China: Based on a Spatial Econometric Model
Authors: Gao Zhenjun , Li Shujie , Cao Xiufeng , Li Yuefen
Published: May 2022

Under the “double carbon” target, it is important to reduce carbon emissions in each region. Using exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), the center of gravity method, and spatial econometric models, we analyzed the characteristics and spatial spillover effects of carbon emission intensity in counties in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020 and made recommendations to the government for more reasonable carbon reduction strategies in order to achieve sustainable development. The results were as follows: (1) Since 2000, the carbon emission intensity in Northeast China has increased after first declining, and the carbon emission intensity in the western and northern regions of Northeast China has increased faster than Northeast China’s average. (2) After 2000, the spatial aggregation of carbon emission intensity has improved in Northeast China. (3) Northeast China’s carbon emission intensity has a positive spatial spillover effect. Through the feedback mechanism, the growth in population size, the rise in economic development level, the level of industrialization as well as the rise in living standard, the land use structure dominated by arable land and construction land, and the increase in urbanization level in the region will cause the carbon emission intensity in the surrounding areas to increase. An increase in public expenditures leads to a decrease in carbon emission intensity in the adjacent area. (4) When the vegetation cover exceeds its threshold value, it can have a larger inhibitory influence on carbon emission intensity. To summarize, each county in Northeast China is a carbon emission reduction community, and policymakers must consider the spatial spillover effect of carbon emission intensity when developing policies.
Landscape, Memory, and Adverse Shocks: The 1968 Earthquake in Belìce Valley (Sicily, Italy): A Case Study
Authors: Petino Gianni , Napoli Maria Donata , Mattia Mario
Published: May 2022

The interaction between humans and nature dramatically reveals the role of sudden and destructive events in the progressive and never-ending trend of depletion of the territorial dimension of the Belìce Valley (Valle del Belìce, Sicily, Italy). If on the one hand a tragic event, such as the earthquake of 1968, that destroyed towns and villages in the Belìce Valley, represented a moment of pain and suffering for local communities and their territories, on the other, more than 50 years after the event, we are able to shed light on the reaction to the earthquake effects through an in-depth analysis of the heritage of the physical and immaterial rubble. Our research is aimed at framing, through special geovisual tools, the paths of this rebuilding process and to verify whether the “new” interaction of humans and nature has reached an acceptable balance. After introducing the concept of landscape and investigating some local manifestations within the Belìce Valley, we tackle the technical question of re-photography as a powerful and quick method for observing the territorial changes that occurred after the earthquake. This approach is based on the collection of historical photographs and, subsequently, onsite activities for the creation of a contemporary archive of images. The method used for comparing the images was that of re-photographic overlapping, a useful technique to compare different moments of the history of a landscape and to analyze the effectiveness of the process of rebuilding. Finally, this analysis introduces us to a new perspective where in our opinion, it is possible to frame some features of the Belìce Valley and some more general aspects that are useful for other territories hit by destructive events and having to face choices related to the future of their communities.
Histomorphometry of Ossification in Functionalised Ceramics with Tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD): An In Vivo Study
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Schenker Hanno , Maffulli Nicola , Hildebrand Frank , Eschweiler Jörg
Published: May 2022

The present study investigated the osseointegration promoted by functionalised ceramics with peptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) in a rabbit model in vivo. Histomorphometry of the RGD functionalised ceramic implants was conducted by a trained pathologist to quantify the amount of mature and immature ossification at the bone interface, and then compared to titanium alloy implants. The region of interest was the area surrounding the implant. The percentage of ROI covered by osteoid implant contact and mature bone implant contact were assessed. The presence of bone resorption, necrosis, and/or inflammation in the areas around the implant were quantitatively investigated. All 36 rabbits survived the experimental period of 6 and 12 weeks. All implants remained in situ. No necrosis, bone resorption, or inflammation were identified. At 12 weeks follow-up, the overall mean bone implant contact (p = 0.003) and immature osteoid contact (p = 0.03) were improved compared to the mean values evidenced at 6 weeks. At 6 weeks follow-up, the overall osteoid implant contact was greater in the RGD enhanced group compared to the titanium implant (p = 0.01). The other endpoints of interest were similar between the two implants at all follow-up points (p ≥ 0.05). Functionalised ceramics with peptide RGD promoted ossification in vivo. The overall osteoid and bone implant contact improved significantly from 6 to 12 weeks. Finally, RGD enhanced ceramic promoted faster osteoid implant contact in vivo than titanium implants. Overall, the amount of ossification at 12 weeks is comparable with the titanium implants. No necrosis, bone resorption, or inflammation were observed in any sample.
CD103 Expression on Regulatory and Follicular T Cells in Lymph Nodes, Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Peripheral Blood of Sarcoidosis Patients
Authors: d’Alessandro Miriana , Gangi Sara , Cavallaro Dalila , Bergantini Laura , Mezzasalma Fabrizio , Cattelan Stefano , Baglioni Stefano , Abbritti Marta , Cameli Paolo , Bargagli Elena
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem disorder of unknown aetiology, driven by a T-cell mechanism allowing T-cell attachment and transmigration through the endothelium, and endorsed by the expression of an integrin alpha-E beta-7 (CD103). This study aimed to analyse the different distribution and compartmentalisation of CD103 expression on T cell subsets in BAL, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lymph nodes (LLN) from sarcoidosis patients. (2) Patients: We consecutively and prospectively enrolled 14 sarcoidosis patients. We collected PBMC, LLN and BAL at the same time from all patients. Through flow cytometric analysis, we analysed the expression of CD103 on regulatory and follicular T cell subsets. (3) Results: All patients were in radiological Scadding stage II. The multivariate analysis found that the variables which most influenced the peripheral blood compartment were high CD8+ and low ThReg, CD8+CD103+ and Tfh cell percentages. A principal component analysis plot performed to distinguish LLN, BAL and PBMC showed that they separated on the basis of CD4+, CD4+CD103+, CD8+, CD8+CD103+, TcEffector, TcNaive, ThNaive, ThEffector, Threg, ThregCD103+, Tfh, TcfCXC5+ and CD4+CD103+/CD4+ with 65.96% of the total variance. (4) Conclusions: Our study is the first to report a link between the imbalance in circulating, alveolar and lymph node CD8+ and CD8+CD103+ T cells, ThReg, Tfh and ThNaive and the CD103+CD4+/CD4+ T cell ratio in the development of sarcoidosis. These findings shine a spotlight on the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis and may offer new predictors for diagnosis. Our study provides additional understanding for a personalised, and hopefully more effective treatment of sarcoidosis.
Analysis of Decision Parameters for Route Plans and Their Importance for Sustainability: An Exploratory Study Using the TOPSIS Technique
Authors: Nobre Alice Vasconcelos , Oliveira Caio Cézar Rodrigues , de Lucena Nunes Denilson Ricardo , Silva Melo André Cristiano , Guimarães Gil Eduardo , Anholon Rosley , Martins Vitor William Batista
Published: May 2022

Background: This study aimed to identify the most widespread performance objectives for the vehicle routing problem, the degree of comparative importance attributed to each of these performance objectives in the opinion of professionals in the logistics area working in Brazil and also relate them to aspects of sustainability considering environmental, economic and social issues. Methods: To this end, a literature review was carried out in the area and a survey was developed with professionals through a structured questionnaire. The collected data were treated using the TOPSIS multi-criteria technique. Results: The results indicate that the performance objectives in route plans “level of service”, “total number of vehicles” and “total distance travelled” are the ones that, in the opinion of the professionals participating in the research, have greater importance in the planning and elaboration of plan routes and that such objectives directly impact the sustainable results of a given organization. Conclusions: The results can serve as a basis for researchers in the area who aim to broaden the debates on this topic and for logistics operations managers who work directly with planning and elaboration of route plans and who aim to make their operations more sustainable. Therefore, this research addresses the literature gap by identifying which performance objectives should be considered in the elaboration of route plans and how they relate to sustainability guidelines. It is noteworthy that no other study with a similar objective was identified in the literature.
Xeno-Free Materials for Stabilizing Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Enhancing Cell Proliferation in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Cultures
Authors: Masuzawa Yoko , Kitazawa Manabu
Published: May 2022

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are widely considered important for developing novel regenerative therapies. A major challenge to the growth and proliferation of iPSCs is the maintenance of their undifferentiated status in xeno- and feeder-free conditions. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is known to contribute to the expansion of stem cells; however, bFGF is notoriously heat-labile and easily denatured. Here, we investigate the effects of a series of synthetic sulfated/sulfonated polymers and saccharides on the growth of iPSCs. We observed that these materials effectively prevented the reduction of bFGF levels in iPSC culture media during storage at 37 °C. Some of the tested materials also suppressed heat-induced decline in medium performance and maintained cell proliferation. Our results suggest that these sulfated materials can be used to improve the expansion culture of undifferentiated iPSCs and show the potential of cost effective, chemically defined materials for improvement of medium performance while culturing iPSCs.
Experimental Validation in a Controlled Environment of a Methodology for Assessing the Dynamic Behavior of Railway Track Components
Authors: Reina Salvatore , Ayabaca Cèsar , Venegas Diego , Zambrano Iván , Venegas William , Vila Carlos , Ordoñez Victor
Published: May 2022

This article presents a novel methodology conducted under controlled laboratory conditions to assess the dynamic behavior of the components of railway tracks by applying an unbalanced mass excitation force. The methodology for obtaining accurate measurements, which uses different excitation parameters, is based on an unbalanced mass device, and from these data, the transmissibility of the mass-elastomer system is estimated. For assessment of the dynamic behavior, different sine sweep rate excitations, the unbalanced mass, and background noise are considered. The experimental measurements of transmissibility with a shaker and an unbalanced mass device are performed to validate the methodology. For this, frequency-by-frequency transmissibility measurements and the swept sine were performed by the shaker, with a sine sweep from 1 to 51 Hz, using the unbalanced mass device with different sine sweep rates and unbalanced mass. The results obtained allow comparison of the transmissibility by excitation at specific frequencies and the sine sweep to validate the excitation parameters of the unbalanced mass device. Thus, a transmissibility estimation error with the sweep rate, the unbalanced mass, and the background noise is developed. By using the proposed methodology, it is possible to lower the error of the estimated transmissibility of the system with background noise.
Fracture Mechanism Analysis and Design Optimization of a Wheelset Lifting Mechanism Based on Experiments and Simulations
Authors: Zhi Pengpeng , Wang Zhonglai , Tian Zongrui , Lu Junwen , Wu Jiang , Guo Xinkai , Liu Zhijie
Published: May 2022

In this study, material and dynamic stress experiments are combined with finite element (FE) simulations to reveal the fracture mechanism of the wheelset lifting apparatus, and a structural design optimization scheme based on the double-layer Kriging surrogate model is proposed. The fracture mechanism of the wheelset lifting apparatus is first clarified through the material analysis of macro/micro and dynamic stress tests. Static strength and modal analyses are then performed to perfect the mechanism analysis in terms of structural performance. An efficient, robust, fatigue design optimization method based on the double-layer Kriging surrogate model and improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is finally proposed to improve the original design scheme. For the wheelset lifting mechanism’s fracture, the crack source is found on the transition fillet surface of the lifting lug and lifting ring, where the fracture has the characteristics of two-way, multisource, high-cycle, low-stress fatigue. It is further revealed that the vibration fatigue occurring at the point of maximum stress is the main cause of the fracture. The effectiveness of the proposed design optimization method is validated via comparative analysis.
Selective Harmonic Elimination in a Cascaded Multilevel Inverter of Distributed Power Generators Using Water Cycle Algorithm
Authors: Khizer Muhammad , Shami Umar T. , Zia Muhammad Fahad , Amirat Yassine , Benbouzid Mohamed
Published: May 2022

This research paper proposes the application of a meta-heuristic algorithm, namely the water cycle algorithm (WCA), for optimizing the performance of a multi-level inverter for a distributed energy resources-based smart grid system. The aim is to find the optimal switching angles to achieve selective harmonic elimination. To exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and evaluate the results, a three-phase seven-level cascaded multilevel inverter (CHBMLI) is used. This paper demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed algorithm by performing a rigorous comparison with existing meta-heuristic algorithms. Independent sample t-tests for different population sizes are demonstrated, which reflect the better performance of the proposed algorithm’s results. For the comparison, crucial parameters for optimization, including population size and number of iterations, are kept the same for the proposed WCA and other algorithms. Since we are solving a minimization problem, a lower fitness value is focused. In our research paper, we show how the proposed algorithm attains a lower fitness value and fast rate of convergence. For different values of the modulation index, WCA performs better than particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the firefly algorithm (FA). For a particular case of a modulation index value of 0.8, the minimum value found by WCA over 50 samples is 0.0001, whereas that of PSO and FA are 0.0223 and 0.0433, respectively, which shows that WCA has better accuracy. The results clearly present that the proposed algorithm provides a competitive percentage of elimination of selected harmonics when compared with other meta-heuristic algorithms.
Improving the Performance of MapReduce for Small-Scale Cloud Processes Using a Dynamic Task Adjustment Mechanism
Authors: Huang Tzu-Chi , Huang Guo-Hao , Tsai Ming-Fong
Published: May 2022

The MapReduce architecture can reliably distribute massive datasets to cloud worker nodes for processing. When each worker node processes the input data, the Map program generates intermediate data that are used by the Reduce program for integration. However, as the worker nodes process the MapReduce tasks, there are differences in the number of intermediate data created, due to variation in the operating-system environments and the input data, which results in the phenomenon of laggard nodes and affects the completion time for each small-scale cloud application task. In this paper, we propose a dynamic task adjustment mechanism for an intermediate-data processing cycle prediction algorithm, with the aim of improving the execution performance of small-scale cloud applications. Our mechanism dynamically adjusts the number of Map and Reduce program tasks based on the intermediate-data processing capabilities of each cloud worker node, in order to mitigate the problem of performance degradation caused by the limitations on the Google Cloud platform (Hadoop cluster) due to the phenomenon of laggards. The proposed dynamic task adjustment mechanism was compared with a simulated Hadoop system in a performance analysis, and an improvement of at least 5% in the processing efficiency was found for a small-scale cloud application.
A New Bound in the Littlewood–Offord Problem
Authors: Götze Friedrich , Zaitsev Andrei Yu.
Published: May 2022

The paper deals with studying a connection of the Littlewood–Offord problem with estimating the concentration functions of some symmetric infinitely divisible distributions. It is shown that the concentration function of a weighted sum of independent identically distributed random variables is estimated in terms of the concentration function of a symmetric infinitely divisible distribution whose spectral measure is concentrated on the set of plus-minus weights.
A Mathematical Model for Nonlinear Optimization Which Attempts Membership Functions to Address the Uncertainties
Authors: Kaliyaperumal Palanivel , Das Amrit
Published: May 2022

The problem of optimizing an objective function that exists within the constraints of equality and inequality is addressed by nonlinear programming (NLP). A linear program exists if all of the functions are linear; otherwise, the problem is referred to as a nonlinear program. The development of highly efficient and robust linear programming (LP) algorithms and software, the advent of high-speed computers, and practitioners’ wider understanding and portability of mathematical modeling and analysis have all contributed to LP’s importance in solving problems in a variety of fields. However, due to the nature of the nonlinearity of the objective functions and any of the constraints, several practical situations cannot be completely explained or predicted as a linear program. Efforts to overcome such nonlinear problems quickly and efficiently have made rapid progress in recent decades. The past century has seen rapid progress in the field of nonlinear modeling of real-world problems. Because of the uncertainty that exists in all aspects of nature and human life, these models must be viewed through a system known as a fuzzy system. In this article, a new fuzzy model is proposed to address the vagueness presented in the nonlinear programming problems (NLPPs). The proposed model is described; its mathematical formulation and detailed computational procedure are shown with numerical illustrations by employing trapezoidal fuzzy membership functions (TFMFs). Here, the computational procedure has an important role in acquiring the optimum result by utilizing the necessary and sufficient conditions of the Lagrangian multipliers method in terms of fuzziness. Additionally, the proposed model is based on the previous research in the literature, and the obtained optimal result is justified with TFMFs. A model performance evaluation was completed with different set of inputs, followed by a comparison analysis, results and discussion. Lastly, the performance evaluation states that the efficiency level of the proposed model is of high impact. The code to solve the model is implemented in LINGO, and it comes with a collection of built-in solvers for various problems.