bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Graph Similarity Computation with Contrastive Learning
Authors: Hu Shengze , Zeng Weixin , Zhang Pengfei , Tang Jiuyang
Published: August 2022

Computing the similarity between graphs is a longstanding and challenging problem with many real-world applications. Recent years have witnessed a rapid increase in neural-network-based methods, which project graphs into embedding space and devise end-to-end frameworks to learn to estimate graph similarity. Nevertheless, these solutions usually design complicated networks to capture the fine-grained interactions between graphs, and hence have low efficiency. Additionally, they rely on labeled data for training the neural networks and overlook the useful information hidden in the graphs themselves. To address the aforementioned issues, in this work, we put forward a contrastive neural graph similarity learning framework, Conga. Specifically, we utilize vanilla graph convolutional networks to generate the graph representations and capture the cross-graph interactions via a simple multilayer perceptron. We further devise an unsupervised contrastive loss to discriminate the graph embeddings and guide the training process by learning more expressive entity representations. Extensive experiment results on public datasets validate that our proposal has more robust performance and higher efficiency compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Self-Assembly at a Macroscale Using Aerodynamics
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Yuting , Jiang Xiaowu , Ni Qianying , Liu Chen , Shang Fangfang , Xia Qingchao , Zhang Sheng
Published: August 2022

Intuitive self-assembly devices are of great significance to the emerging applications of self-assembly theory. In this paper, a novel intuitive device with an aerodynamic system is fabricated for the self-assembly experiment. Table tennis balls were used as the objects to be assembled during the self-assembly process. To understand more about the system, two experiments were designed—the directed assembly experiment was conducted to organize a specific structure and to explore the influences of environmental variables, and the indirect assembly experiment repeated with the “bottom-up” self-organization process and expressed the characteristics of “the optimization” and “the emergence” in the self-organization process. This article expressed a novel self-assembly approach at a macroscale and created a new choice or idea for the structural design and the optimization method.
IIoT Malware Detection Using Edge Computing and Deep Learning for Cybersecurity in Smart Factories
Authors: Kim Ho-myung , Lee Kyung-ho
Published: August 2022

The smart factory environment has been transformed into an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environment, which is an interconnected and open approach. This has made smart manufacturing plants vulnerable to cyberattacks that can directly lead to physical damage. Most cyberattacks targeting smart factories are carried out using malware. Thus, a solution that efficiently detects malware by monitoring and analyzing network traffic for malware attacks in smart factory IIoT environments is critical. However, achieving accurate real-time malware detection in such environments is difficult. To solve this problem, this study proposes an edge computing-based malware detection system that efficiently detects various cyberattacks (malware) by distributing vast amounts of smart factory IIoT traffic information to edge servers for deep learning processing. The proposed malware detection system consists of three layers (edge device, edge, and cloud layers) and utilizes four meaningful functions (model training and testing, model deployment, model inference, and training data transmission) for edge-based deep learning. In experiments conducted on the Malimg dataset, the proposed malware detection system incorporating a convolutional neural network with image visualization technology achieved an overall classification accuracy of 98.93%, precision of 98.93%, recall of 98.93%, and F1-score of 98.92%.
Meta-Heuristics Optimization of Mirrors for Gravitational Wave Detectors: Cryogenic Case
Authors: Granata Veronica , Pierro Vincenzo , Troiano Luigi
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we explore the behavior of several optimization methods for reducing coating Brownian noise in the mirrors of gravitational wave detectors. We will refer to cryogenic operating temperatures, where the low refractive index material has mechanical losses higher than those of the high refractive index material. This situation is the exact opposite of that which occurs at room temperature, which is already widely known. The optimal design of the dielectric mirror (without a priori assumptions on thicknesses) can be obtained through the combined multi-objective optimization of transmittance and thermal noise. In the following, we apply several multi-objective meta-heuristics to compute the Pareto front related to the optimization problem of dielectric mirror thicknesses made of two materials (binary coatings). This approach gives us more certainty about the structure of the final result. We find strong evidence that all meta-heuristics converge to the same solution. The final result can be interpreted with simple physical considerations, providing useful rules to simplify the thicknesses of the optimization algorithm.
FocusedDropout for Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Liu Minghui , Xie Tianshu , Cheng Xuan , Deng Jiali , Yang Meiyi , Wang Xiaomin , Liu Ming
Published: August 2022

In a convolutional neural network (CNN), dropout cannot work well because dropped information is not entirely obscured in convolutional layers where features are correlated spatially. Except for randomly discarding regions or channels, many approaches try to overcome this defect by dropping influential units. In this paper, we propose a non-random dropout method named FocusedDropout, aiming to make the network focus more on the target. In FocusedDropout, we use a simple but effective method to search for the target-related features, retain these features and discard others, which is contrary to the existing methods. We find that this novel method can improve network performance by making the network more target focused. Additionally, increasing the weight decay while using FocusedDropout can avoid overfitting and increase accuracy. Experimental results show that with a slight cost, 10% of batches employing FocusedDropout, can produce a nice performance boost over the baselines on multiple datasets of classification, including CIFAR10, CIFAR100 and Tiny ImageNet, and has a good versatility for different CNN models.
Proving the Existence of Solutions to the Problems of Minimizing the Energy Consumption of Sensor Networks
Authors: Petrivskyi Volodymyr , Bychkov Oleksii , Martsenyuk Vasyl
Published: August 2022

Sensors and sensor networks have become widespread in today’s technological world. As with any technical system, sensors and sensor networks face certain challenges, one of which is the problem of energy efficiency, the solution of which allows for increasing the autonomy of sensors and making the network more cost-effective. This problem is relevant, and there are many studies devoted to its solution. In some of the proposed solutions, this problem is formulated as an optimization problem. However, in most cases, there is no proof of the existence of a solution to the presented optimization problem, which in turn calls into question the correctness of the proposed approaches. The article presents proof of the existence of a solution to the problem of minimizing the energy consumption of a sensor network by adjusting the sensor coverage radii. The work also proves the existence of a solution to a multi-criteria optimization problem, the criteria of which are the minimization of the network cost and the maximization of the area of the covered territory. An analysis of the energy efficiency of the network was carried out in cases of different values of the intersection of coverage zones and different values of the level of the intersection of coverage zones. Using the described approaches, the energy consumption of a specific sensor network was reduced by 7%, which confirms the effectiveness of the presented methods.
Martens Hardness of CAD/CAM Resin-Based Composites
Authors: Rosentritt Martin , Hahnel Sebastian , Schneider-Feyrer Sibylle , Strasser Thomas , Schmid Alois
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: The properties of CAD/CAM resin-based composites differ due to differences in their composition. Instrumented indentation testing can help to analyze these differences with respect to hardness, as well as energy-converting capabilities due to viscoelastic behavior. (2) Methods: Eleven materials were investigated using instrumented indentation testing. Indentation depth (hr), Martens hardness (HM), indentation hardness (HIT), indentation modulus (EIT), the elastic part of indentation work (ηIT), and indentation creep (CIT) were investigated, and statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni post-hoc test, and Pearson correlation (α = 0.05). (3) Results: All of the investigated parameters revealed differences between the analyzed materials. Besides the differences in hardness-associated parameters (hr, HM, and HIT), instrumented indentation testing demonstrated differences in energy-converting properties. The subsequent one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.001). A significant (p < 0.01, Pearson correlation >0.576) correlation between the materials and HM, HIT, or EIT was identified. (4) Conclusions: Due to the differences found in the energy-converting properties of the investigated materials, certain CAD/CAM resin-based composites could show superior stress-breaking capabilities than others. The consequential reduction in stress build-up may prove to beneficial, especially for implant-retained restorations or patients suffering from parafunctions.
Prediction of the Elastic Properties of Ultra High Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Particle-Reinforced Polypropylene Composite Materials through Homogenization
Authors: Yun Jong-Hwan , Jeon Yu-Jae , Kang Min-Soo
Published: August 2022

In this study, to improve the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) with the objective of developing a composite with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a reinforcement, the mechanical properties of the composite material were investigated via numerical analysis and finite element analysis (FEA). Based on a mathematical approach, the modulus of elasticity, shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio were calculated using a numerical model, and, through FEA with application of the homogenization method, the elastic properties were predicted, and the results were comparatively analyzed. In the future, it will be necessary to compare experimental and numerical analysis results to verify the findings of this study.
Influence of Perforated Soils on Installation of New Piles
Authors: Nontananandh Supakij , Kuwahara Shuichi , Shishido Ken-ichi , Inazumi Shinya
Published: August 2022

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand to replace ancient structures. The removal of such structures also involves the removal of the existing piles that supported the structures, and the backfilling of the pulling-out holes that formed during the removal. However, there are no standard guidelines for the backfilling of pulling-out holes. At present, therefore, each owner or contractor must determine the material and the construction method to use for backfilling. This results in a difference between the mechanical properties of the original soil and those of the soil that has been backfilled, namely, the soil on which a newly built structure will be constructed. In this study, it was assumed that a new pile would be installed on a perforated soil (that is, the soil left after removing the existing piles) where the mechanical properties differ between the original soil and the backfilled soil. The behavior of the new pile, when installed on the boundary of a soil between two types of mechanical properties, was evaluated by a three-dimensional linear elastic analysis. When the new pile was installed at the boundary between the two types of soil with different mechanical properties, most of the new pile was inclined to the soil side where the N value was relatively small. However, the inclination of the new pile was able to be suppressed by increasing the distance from the boundary between the two types of soil.
Reliability Analysis of Response-Controlled Buildings Using Fragility Curves
Authors: Karimi Ahmad Khalid , Moscoso Alcantara Edisson Alberto , Saito Taiki
Published: August 2022

The number of buildings with passive control systems is steadily growing worldwide. For this reason, this study focuses on the reliability analysis of these systems employing fragility curves. The structural performance evaluation is obtained for a 10-story steel building with two different sections (trimmed and conventional). The trimmed section of the building was evaluated with hysteresis and oil dampers, while the conventional section of the building was evaluated without damper. The fragility curves were obtained from the incremental dynamic analysis using 20 ground motion records. Spectral acceleration response at the fundamental period of the building was considered and used as the intensity measure for the ground motion records. The maximum inter-story drift ratio of the building was employed as the damage measure. In addition, the seismic energy absorption rate was compared between hysteresis and oil dampers. As a result, hysteresis dampers were found to be more effective for high ground motion intensities. On the other hand, the oil damper dissipates energy immediately, even for low ground motion intensities. Furthermore, the combination of different types of dampers improved the seismic performance of the trimmed section of the building to almost the same level as the conventional section of the building. Eventually, a combination of hysteresis and oil dampers in a building is suggested to improve structural performance.
Recent Progress in Low-Energy Electron Elastic-Collisions with Multi-Electron Atoms and Fullerene Molecules
Authors: Msezane Alfred Z. , Felfli Zineb
Published: August 2022

We briefly review recent applications of the Regge pole analysis to low-energy 0.0 ≤ E ≤ 10.0 eV electron elastic collisions with large multi-electron atoms and fullerene molecules. We then conclude with a demonstration of the sensitivity of the Regge pole-calculated Ramsauer–Townsend minima and shape resonances to the electronic structure and dynamics of the Bk and Cf actinide atoms, and their first time ever use as novel and rigorous validation of the recent experimental observation that identified Cf as a transitional element in the actinide series.
Myosin Transducer Inter-Strand Communication Is Critical for Normal ATPase Activity and Myofibril Structure
Authors: Kronert William A. , Hsu Karen H. , Madan Aditi , Sarsoza Floyd , Cammarato Anthony , Bernstein Sanford I.
Published: August 2022

The R249Q mutation in human β-cardiac myosin results in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We previously showed that inserting this mutation into Drosophila melanogaster indirect flight muscle myosin yields mechanical and locomotory defects. Here, we use transgenic Drosophila mutants to demonstrate that residue R249 serves as a critical communication link within myosin that controls both ATPase activity and myofibril integrity. R249 is located on a β-strand of the central transducer of myosin, and our molecular modeling shows that it interacts via a salt bridge with D262 on the adjacent β-strand. We find that disrupting this interaction via R249Q, R249D or D262R mutations reduces basal and actin-activated ATPase activity, actin in vitro motility and flight muscle function. Further, the R249D mutation dramatically affects myofibril assembly, yielding abnormalities in sarcomere lengths, increased Z-line thickness and split myofibrils. These defects are exacerbated during aging. Re-establishing the β-strand interaction via a R249D/D262R double mutation restores both basal ATPase activity and myofibril assembly, indicating that these properties are dependent upon transducer inter-strand communication. Thus, the transducer plays an important role in myosin function and myofibril architecture.
Expression of Exogenous GFP-CesA6 in Tobacco Enhances Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Biomass Production
Authors: De Caroli Monica , Rampino Patrizia , Pecatelli Gabriele , Girelli Chiara Roberta , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo , Piro Gabriella , Lenucci Marcello S.
Published: August 2022

Improved cellulose biosynthesis and plant biomass represent important economic targets for several biotechnological applications including bioenergy and biofuel production. The attempts to increase the biosynthesis of cellulose by overexpressing CesAs proteins, components of the cellulose synthase complex, has not always produced consistent results. Analyses of morphological and molecular data and of the chemical composition of cell walls showed that tobacco plants (F31 line), stably expressing the Arabidopsis CesA6 fused to GFP, exhibits a “giant” phenotype with no apparent other morphological aberrations. In the F31 line, all evaluated growth parameters, such as stem and root length, leaf size, and lignified secondary xylem, were significantly higher than in wt. Furthermore, F31 line exhibited increased flower and seed number, and an advance of about 20 days in the anthesis. In the leaves of F31 seedlings, the expression of primary CesAs (NtCesA1, NtCesA3, and NtCesA6) was enhanced, as well as of proteins involved in the biosynthesis of non-cellulosic polysaccharides (xyloglucans and galacturonans, NtXyl4, NtGal10), cell wall remodeling (NtExp11 and XTHs), and cell expansion (NtPIP1.1 and NtPIP2.7). While in leaves the expression level of all secondary cell wall CesAs (NtCesA4, NtCesA7, and NtCesA8) did not change significantly, both primary and secondary CesAs were differentially expressed in the stem. The amount of cellulose and matrix polysaccharides significantly increased in the F31 seedlings with no differences in pectin and hemicellulose glycosyl composition. Our results highlight the potentiality to overexpress primary CesAs in tobacco plants to enhance cellulose synthesis and biomass production.
Drivers of the Ectoparasite Community and Co-Infection Patterns in Rural and Urban Burrowing Owls
Authors: Sáez-Ventura Ángeles , López-Montoya Antonio J. , Luna Álvaro , Romero-Vidal Pedro , Palma Antonio , Tella José L. , Carrete Martina , Liébanas Gracia M. , Pérez Jesús M.
Published: August 2022

Urbanization creates new ecological conditions that can affect biodiversity at all levels, including the diversity and prevalence of parasites of species that may occupy these environments. However, few studies have compared bird–ectoparasite interactions between urban and rural individuals. Here, we analyze the ectoparasite community and co-infection patterns of urban and rural burrowing owls, Athene cunicularia, to assess the influence of host traits (i.e., sex, age, and weight), and environmental factors (i.e., number of conspecifics per nest, habitat type and aridity) on its composition. Ectoparasites of burrowing owls included two lice, one flea, and one mite. The overall prevalence for mites, lice and fleas was 1.75%, 8.76% and 3.50%, respectively. A clear pattern of co-infection was detected between mites and fleas and, to less extent, between mites and lice. Adult owls harbored fewer ectoparasites than nestlings, and adult females harbored more lice than males. Our results also show that mite and flea numbers were higher when more conspecifics cohabited the same burrow, while lice showed the opposite pattern. Rural individuals showed higher flea parasitism and lower mite parasitism than urban birds. Moreover, mite numbers were negatively correlated with aridity and host weight. Although the ectoparasitic load of burrowing owls appears to be influenced by individual age, sex, number of conspecifics per nest, and habitat characteristics, the pattern of co-infection found among ectoparasites could also be mediated by unexplored factors such as host immune response, which deserves further research.
Frontal Sinus Morphological and Dimensional Variation as Seen on Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Shamlou Austin A. , Tallman Sean D.
Published: August 2022

Frontal sinus variation has been used in forensic anthropology to aid in positive identification since the 1920s. As imaging technology has evolved, so has the quality and quantity of data that practitioners can collect. This study examined frontal sinus morphological and dimensional variation on computed tomography (CT) scans in 325 individuals for assigned sex females and males from African-, Asian-, European-, and Latin American-derived groups. Full coronal sinus outlines from medically derived CT images were transferred into SHAPE v1.3 for elliptical Fourier analysis (EFA). The dimensional data were measured directly from the images using the MicroDicom viewer. Statistical analyses—Pearson’s chi-square, ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc tests—were run in R Studio. Results indicated that 3.7% lacked a frontal sinus and 12.0% had a unilateral sinus, usually on the left (74.3%). Additionally, no statistically significant morphological clustering using EFA was found based on assigned sex and/or population affinity. However, there were statistically significant differences dimensionally (height and depth) when tested against assigned sex and population affinity, indicating that the interactive effects of sexual dimorphism and adaptive population histories influence the dimensions but not the shape of the frontal sinus.
Aptamers as Theragnostic Tools in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cruz-Hernández Carlos David , Rodríguez-Martínez Griselda , Cortés-Ramírez Sergio A. , Morales-Pacheco Miguel , Cruz-Burgos Marian , Losada-García Alberto , Reyes-Grajeda Juan Pablo , González-Ramírez Imelda , González-Covarrubias Vanessa , Camacho-Arroyo Ignacio , Cerbón Marco , Rodríguez-Dorantes Mauricio
Published: August 2022

Despite of the capacity that several drugs have for specific inhibition of the androgen receptor (AR), in most cases, PCa progresses to an androgen-independent stage. In this context, the development of new targeted therapies for prostate cancer (PCa) has remained as a challenge. To overcome this issue, new tools, based on nucleic acids technology, have been developed. Aptamers are small oligonucleotides with a three-dimensional structure capable of interacting with practically any desired target, even large targets such as mammalian cells or viruses. Recently, aptamers have been studied for treatment and detection of many diseases including cancer. In PCa, numerous works have reported their use in the development of new approaches in diagnostics and treatment strategies. Aptamers have been joined with drugs or other specific molecules such as silencing RNAs (aptamer–siRNA chimeras) to specifically reduce the expression of oncogenes in PCa cells. Even though these studies have shown good results in the early stages, more research is still needed to demonstrate the clinical value of aptamers in PCa. The aim of this review was to compile the existing scientific literature regarding the use of aptamers in PCa in both diagnosis and treatment studies. Since Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) aptamers are the most studied type of aptamers in this field, special emphasis was given to these aptamers.
Submicron Topographically Patterned 3D Substrates Enhance Directional Axon Outgrowth of Dorsal Root Ganglia Cultured Ex Vivo
Authors: Fornaro Michele , Dipollina Christopher , Giambalvo Darryl , Garcia Robert , Sigerson Casey , Sharthiya Harsh , Liu Claire , Nealey Paul F. , Kristjansdottir Kolbrun , Gasiorowski Joshua Z.
Published: August 2022

A peripheral nerve injury results in disruption of the fiber that usually protects axons from the surrounding environment. Severed axons from the proximal nerve stump are capable of regenerating, but axons are exposed to a completely new environment. Regeneration recruits cells that produce and deposit key molecules, including growth factor proteins and fibrils in the extracellular matrix (ECM), thus changing the chemical and geometrical environment. The regenerating axons thus surf on a newly remodeled micro-landscape. Strategies to enhance and control axonal regeneration and growth after injury often involve mimicking the extrinsic cues that are found in the natural nerve environment. Indeed, nano- and micropatterned substrates have been generated as tools to guide axons along a defined path. The mechanical cues of the substrate are used as guides to orient growth or change the direction of growth in response to impediments or cell surface topography. However, exactly how axons respond to biophysical information and the dynamics of axonal movement are still poorly understood. Here we use anisotropic, groove-patterned substrate topography to direct and enhance sensory axonal growth of whole mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) transplanted ex vivo. Our results show significantly enhanced and directed growth of the DRG sensory fibers on the hemi-3D topographic substrates compared to a 0 nm pitch, flat control surface. By assessing the dynamics of axonal movement in time-lapse microscopy, we found that the enhancement was not due to increases in the speed of axonal growth, but to the efficiency of growth direction, ensuring axons minimize movement in undesired directions. Finally, the directionality of growth was reproduced on topographic patterns fabricated as fully 3D substrates, potentially opening new translational avenues of development incorporating these specific topographic feature sizes in implantable conduits in vivo.
Association between Galectin Levels and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ramos-Martínez Edgar , Ramos-Martínez Iván , Sánchez-Betancourt Iván , Ramos-Martínez Juan Carlos , Peña-Corona Sheila Irais , Valencia Jorge , Saucedo Renata , Almeida-Aguirre Ericka Karol Pamela , Cerbón Marco
Published: August 2022

Galectins are a family of proteins with an affinity for β-galactosides that have roles in neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. Several studies indicate that patients with neurodegenerative diseases have alterations in the concentration of galectins in their blood and brain. However, the results of the studies are contradictory; hence, a meta-analysis is performed to clarify whether patients with neurodegenerative diseases have elevated galectin levels compared to healthy individuals. Related publications are obtained from the databases: PubMed, Central-Conchrane, Web of Science database, OVID-EMBASE, Scope, and EBSCO host until February 2022. A pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) is calculated by fixed-effect or random-effect model analysis. In total, 17 articles are included in the meta-analysis with a total of 905 patients. Patients with neurodegenerative diseases present a higher level of galectin expression compared to healthy individuals (MDS = 0.70, 95% CI 0.28–1.13, p = 0.001). In the subgroup analysis by galectin type, a higher galectin-3 expression is observed in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD) expressed higher levels of galectin-3. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have higher levels of galectin-9. In conclusion, our meta-analysis shows that patients with neurovegetative diseases have higher galectin levels compared to healthy individuals. Galectin levels are associated with the type of disease, sample, detection technique, and region of origin of the patients.
Purkinje Cell Activity Resonation Generates Rhythmic Behaviors at the Preferred Frequency of 8 Hz
Authors: Bauer Staf , van Wingerden Nathalie , Jacobs Thomas , van der Horst Annabel , Zhai Peipei , Betting Jan-Harm L. F. , Strydis Christos , White Joshua J. , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Romano Vincenzo
Published: August 2022

Neural activity exhibits oscillations, bursts, and resonance, enhancing responsiveness at preferential frequencies. For example, theta-frequency bursting and resonance in granule cells facilitate synaptic transmission and plasticity mechanisms at the input stage of the cerebellar cortex. However, whether theta-frequency bursting of Purkinje cells is involved in generating rhythmic behavior has remained neglected. We recorded and optogenetically modulated the simple and complex spike activity of Purkinje cells while monitoring whisker movements with a high-speed camera of awake, head-fixed mice. During spontaneous whisking, both simple spike activity and whisker movement exhibit peaks within the theta band. Eliciting either simple or complex spikes at frequencies ranging from 0.5 to 28 Hz, we found that 8 Hz is the preferred frequency around which the largest movement is induced. Interestingly, oscillatory whisker movements at 8 Hz were also generated when simple spike bursting was induced at 2 and 4 Hz, but never via climbing fiber stimulation. These results indicate that 8 Hz is the resonant frequency at which the cerebellar-whisker circuitry produces rhythmic whisking.
Therapeutic Strategies to Enhance Tumor Antigenicity: Making the Tumor Detectable by the Immune System
Authors: Meraviglia-Crivelli Daniel , Zheleva Angelina , Barainka Martin , Moreno Beatriz , Villanueva Helena , Pastor Fernando
Published: August 2022

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the oncology field, but many patients still do not respond to current immunotherapy approaches. One of the main challenges in broadening the range of responses to this type of treatment is the limited source of tumor neoantigens. T cells constitute a main line of defense against cancer, and the decisive step to trigger their activation is mediated by antigen recognition. Antigens allow the immune system to differentiate between self and foreign, which constitutes a critical step in recognition of cancer cells and the consequent development or control of the malignancy. One of the keystones to achieving a successful antitumor response is the presence of potent tumor antigens, known as neoantigens. However, tumors develop strategies to evade the immune system and resist current immunotherapies, and many tumors present a low tumor mutation burden limiting the presence of tumor antigenicity. Therefore, new approaches must be taken into consideration to overcome these shortcomings. The possibility of making tumors more antigenic represents a promising front to further improve the success of immunotherapy in cancer. Throughout this review, we explored different state-of-the-art tools to induce the presentation of new tumor antigens by intervening at protein, mRNA or genomic levels in malignant cells.
A Brominated Furanone Inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing and Type III Secretion, Attenuating Its Virulence in a Murine Cutaneous Abscess Model
Authors: Muñoz-Cázares Naybi , Castillo-Juárez Israel , García-Contreras Rodolfo , Castro-Torres Víctor Alberto , Díaz-Guerrero Miguel , Rodríguez-Zavala José S. , Quezada Héctor , González-Pedrajo Bertha , Martínez-Vázquez Mariano
Published: August 2022

Quorum sensing (QS) and type III secretion systems (T3SSs) are among the most attractive anti-virulence targets for combating multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Some halogenated furanones reduce QS-associated virulence, but their role in T3SS inhibition remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the inhibition of these two systems on Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence. The halogenated furanones (Z)-4-bromo-5-(bromomethylene)-2(5H) (C-30) and 5-(dibromomethylene)-2(5H) (named hereafter GBr) were synthesized, and their ability to inhibit the secretion of type III exoenzymes and QS-controlled virulence factors was analyzed in P. aeruginosa PA14 and two clinical isolates. Furthermore, their ability to prevent bacterial establishment was determined in a murine cutaneous abscess model. The GBr furanone reduced pyocyanin production, biofilm formation, and swarming motility in the same manner or more effectively than C-30. Moreover, both furanones inhibited the secretion of ExoS, ExoT, or ExoU effectors in all tested strains. The administration of GBr (25 and 50 µM) to CD1 mice infected with the PA14 strain significantly decreased necrosis formation in the inoculation zone and the systemic spread of bacteria more efficiently than C-30 (50 µM). Molecular docking analysis suggested that the gem position of bromine in GBr increases its affinity for the active site of the QS LasR regulator. Overall, our findings showed that the GBr furanone displayed efficient multi-target properties that may favor the development of more effective anti-virulence therapies.
Stacked Model-Based Classification of Parkinson’s Disease Patients Using Imaging Biomarker Data
Authors: Hathaliya Jigna , Modi Hetav , Gupta Rajesh , Tanwar Sudeep , Alqahtani Fayez , Elghatwary Magdy , Neagu Bogdan-Constantin , Raboaca Maria
Published: August 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PSD) is a neurological disorder of the brain where nigrostriatal integrity functions lead to motor and non-motor-based symptoms. Doctors can assess the patient based on the patient’s history and symptoms; however, the symptoms are similar in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy—parkinsonian type (MSA), essential tremor, and Parkinson’s tremor. Thus, sometimes it is difficult to identify a patient’s disease based on his or her symptoms. To address the issue, we have used neuroimaging biomarkers to analyze dopamine deficiency in the brains of subjects. We generated the different patterns of dopamine levels inside the brain, which identified the severity of the disease and helped us to measure the disease progression of the patients. For the classification of the subjects, we used machine learning (ML) algorithms for a multivariate classification of the subjects using neuroimaging biomarkers data. In this paper, we propose a stacked machine learning (ML)-based classification model to identify the HC and PSD subjects. In this stacked model, meta learners can learn and combine the predictions from various ML algorithms, such as K-nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest algorithm (RFA), and Gaussian naive Bayes (GANB) to achieve a high performance model. The proposed model showed 92.5% accuracy, outperforming traditional schemes.
Teachers’ Mental Health and Their Involvement in Educational Inclusion
Authors: Salinas-Falquez Silvia , Roman-Lorente Carlos , Buzica Mirela , Álvarez Joaquín , Gutiérrez Nieves , Trigueros Rubén
Published: August 2022

Teaching is one of the most stressful work contexts, psychologically affecting professionals. The objective of this study is to analyse the effect of the frustration of NPB basic psychological needs, resilience, emotional intelligence and inclusion from the perspective of teachers in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is carried out with 542 teachers of therapeutic pedagogy and special educational needs using the Psychological Need Thwarting Scale PNTS questionnaires as a research method, the Resilience Scale (RS-14), the Trait Meta Mood Scale 24 (TMMS-24), the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Index for Inclusion. The results revealed positive correlations, on the one hand, between the factors of frustration among themselves and with burnout and, on the other hand, the positive correlation between emotional intelligence, resilience and the inclusion index. In conclusion, the resilience of teachers plays a protective role in the inclusion of students with SEN in the face of emotional exhaustion and the frustration of psychological needs.
Anxiety and Depression: What Do We Know of Neuropeptides?
Authors: Kupcova Ida , Danisovic Lubos , Grgac Ivan , Harsanyi Stefan
Published: August 2022

In modern society, there has been a rising trend of depression and anxiety. This trend heavily impacts the population’s mental health and thus contributes significantly to morbidity and, in the worst case, to suicides. Modern medicine, with many antidepressants and anxiolytics at hand, is still unable to achieve remission in many patients. The pathophysiology of depression and anxiety is still only marginally understood, which encouraged researchers to focus on neuropeptides, as they are a vast group of signaling molecules in the nervous system. Neuropeptides are involved in the regulation of many physiological functions. Some act as neuromodulators and are often co-released with neurotransmitters that allow for reciprocal communication between the brain and the body. Most studied in the past were the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of oxytocin, vasopressin or neuropeptide Y and S, or Substance P. However, in recent years, more and more novel neuropeptides have been added to the list, with implications for the research and development of new targets, diagnostic elements, and even therapies to treat anxiety and depressive disorders. In this review, we take a close look at all currently studied neuropeptides, their related pathways, their roles in stress adaptation, and the etiology of anxiety and depression in humans and animal models. We will focus on the latest research and information regarding these associated neuropeptides and thus picture their potential uses in the future.
Energy Prediction and Optimization Based on Sequential Global Sensitivity Analysis: The Case Study of Courtyard-Style Dwellings in Cold Regions of China
Authors: Guo Juanli , Li Meiling , Jin Yongyun , Shi Chundi , Wang Zhoupeng
Published: August 2022

A great abundance of rural houses lacking design guidance exists in the cold regions of China, often accompanied by huge energy loss. Particularly, a courtyard-style dwelling (CSD) has more complex and diverse building elements than a common house, rendering the design optimization extremely costly. Sensitivity analysis (SA) can screen the significant parameters of energy consumption for prediction and optimization. In this paper, (1) the design variables related to CSDs and their data details were extracted; (2) a ranking of parameters sensitive to energy demand was formulated; (3) an energy prediction model was trained and (4) dual-objective optimization was carried out. Using the survey data from 150 units in nine villages, 25 control variables were extracted for sequential global sensitivity analysis (GSA). Thus, the ranking of sensitivity parameters was formulated with the two-stage-and-three-sort GSA method. Furthermore, an energy prediction model was then trained with Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and compared with the other four high-precision models. Based on the obtained prediction model, optimization was then carried out on energy and economic concerns. Consequently, a GSA-based workflow for CSD optimization was proposed to help architectural designers figure out the most efficient energy-saving parameter strategy.
Routine Immunohistochemical Analysis of Mismatch Repair Proteins in Colorectal Cancer—A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Lemos Garcia Joana , Rosa Isadora , Saraiva Sofia , Marques Inês , Fonseca Ricardo , Lage Pedro , Francisco Inês , Silva Patrícia , Filipe Bruno , Albuquerque Cristina , Claro Isabel
Published: August 2022

Recognition of a hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome is crucial and Lynch Syndrome (LS) is the most frequent immunohistochemistry (IHC)—screening for mismatch repair proteins (MMR) deficiency in CRC is therefore advocated. An unicentric cohort study was conducted in a central Oncological Hospital to assess its results. All patients under 70 years-old admitted between July 2017–June 2019 and submitted to surgery for CRC were included. Of 275 patients, 56.0% were male, median age 61.0 (IQR:54.5–65.0), with synchronous tumors in six. Histology revealed high grade adenocarcinoma in 8.4%; mucinous and/or signet ring differentiation in 11.3%; and lymphocytic infiltration in 29.8%. Amsterdam (AC) and Bethesda (BC) Criteria were fulfilled in 11 and 74 patients, respectively. IHC revealed loss of expression of MMR proteins in 24 (8.7%), mostly MLH1 and PMS2 (n = 15) and PMS2 (n = 4). Among these, no patients fulfilled AC and 13 fulfilled BC. BRAF mutation or MLH1 promoter hypermethylation was found in four patients with MLH1 loss of expression. Genetic diagnosis was performed in 51 patients, 11 of them with altered IHC. LS was diagnosed in four, and BC was present in three. One patient would not have been diagnosed without routine IHC screening. These results strengthen the important role of IHC screening for MMR proteins loss of expression in CRC.
Selective Synthesis of 1,4-Dioxane from Oxirane Dimerization over ZrO2/TiO2 Catalyst at Low Temperature
Authors: Wang Yinan , Yu Qingrong , Xue Lijun , Yu Qingyue , Zhu Xinbao
Published: August 2022

We report a route to produce 1,4-dioxane from oxirane by using ZrO2/TiO2 as catalyst. The composite oxide ZrO2/TiO2 was prepared by a coprecipitation method and the catalytic performance was tested through the synthesis of 1,4-dioxane from oxirane in a pipe reactor. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that ZrO2 and TiO2 are in crystal form. When the mass percentage of ZrO2 is 25%, the composite oxide ZrO2/TiO2 presents as an amorphous form. The sample 25%ZrO2/TiO2 exhibits a specific surface area of 269.5 m2·g−1 and pore volume of 1.34 mL·g−1. The catalyst has 670 µmol·g−1 of NH3-TPD acid, and the characterization of ammonia infrared spectroscopy (NH3-FTIR) shows that both Brønsted and Lewis acids are present on the surface of the catalyst. The reaction mechanism was analyzed according to the distribution of product. The test of catalytic performance showed 100.0% conversion of oxirane and 86.2% selectivity of 1,4-dioxane at the optimal operation conditions: atmospheric pressure, reaction temperature 75 °C and gaseous hourly space velocity of 1200.0 h−1. The catalyst exhibits good catalytic performance stability after continuous use for 720 h.
Environmental and Pharmacokinetic Aspects of Zeolite/Pharmaceuticals Systems—Two Facets of Adsorption Ability
Authors: Mijailović Nataša R. , Nedić Vasiljević Bojana , Ranković Maja , Milanović Vladimir , Uskoković-Marković Snežana
Published: August 2022

Zeolites belong to aluminosilicate microporous solids, with strong and diverse catalytic activity, which makes them applicable in almost every kind of industrial process, particularly thanks to their eco-friendly profile. Another crucial characteristic of zeolites is their tremendous adsorption capability. Therefore, it is self-evident that the widespread use of zeolites is in environmental protection, based primarily on the adsorption capacity of substances potentially harmful to the environment, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, or other industry pollutants. On the other hand, zeolites are also recognized as drug delivery systems (DDS) carriers for numerous pharmacologically active agents. The enhanced bioactive ability of DDS zeolite as a drug carrying nanoplatform is confirmed, making this system more specific and efficient, compared to the drug itself. These two applications of zeolite, in fact, illustrate the importance of (ir)reversibility of the adsorption process. This review gives deep insight into the balance and dynamics that are established during that process, i.e., the interaction between zeolites and pharmaceuticals, helping scientists to expand their knowledge necessarily for a more effective application of the adsorption phenomenon of zeolites.
Rendered-Protein Hydrolysates as a Low-Cost Nitrogen Source for the Fungal Biotransformation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Cosovanu Diana , Millán Acosta Alberto , Cabañeros López Pau , Gernaey Krist V. , Li Qian , Lametsch Rene , Canela-Garayoa Ramon , Eras Jordi , Villorbina Gemma
Published: August 2022

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a platform chemical that can be converted into a wide range of high-value derivatives. Industrially, HMF-based derivatives are synthesized via chemical catalysis. However, biocatalytic transformation has emerged as an attractive alternative. Significant advances have been made in the last years using isolated enzymes and whole-cell biocatalysts in HMF biotransformation. Nonetheless, one of the major bottlenecks is the cost of the process, mainly due to the microorganism growth substrate. In this work, biotransformation studies to transform HMF into 2,5-di(hydroxymethyl)furan (DHMF) were carried out with the fungus Fusarium striatum using low-cost protein hydrolysates. The protein hydrolysates were obtained from fines, an unexploited material produced during the rendering process of meat industry waste residues. Given the high content in the protein of fines, of around 46%, protein hydrolysis was optimized using two commercially available proteases, Alcalase 2.4 L and Neutrase 0.8 L. The maximum degree of hydrolysis (DH) achieved with Alcalase 2.4 L was 21.4% under optimal conditions of 5% E/S ratio, pH 8, 55 °C, and 24 h. On the other hand, Neutrase 0.8 L exhibited lower efficiency, and therefore, lower protein recovery. After optimization of the Neutrase 0.8 L process using the response surface methodology (RSM), the maximum DH achieved was 7.2% with the variables set at 15% E/S ratio, initial pH 8, 40 °C, and 10.5 h. Using these hydrolysates as a nitrogen source allowed higher sporulation of the fungus and, therefore, the use of a lower volume of inoculum (three-fold), obtaining a DHMF yield > 90%, 50% higher than the yield obtained when using commercial peptones. The presented process allows the transformation of animal co- and by-products into low-cost nitrogen sources, which greatly impacts the industrial feasibility of HMF biotransformation.
Hydrogenation of Xylose to Xylitol in the Presence of Bimetallic Nanoparticles Ni3Fe Catalyst in the Presence of Choline Chloride
Authors: Ullah Naseeb , Jérôme François , De Oliveira Vigier Karine
Published: August 2022

Hydrogenation of sugars to sugars alcohols is of prime interest for food applications for instance. Xylose obtained from the hemicellulose fraction of lignocellulosic biomass can be hydrogenated to xylitol. Herein, we conducted catalytic hydrogenation reactions in a non-conventional media approach by using choline chloride, a non-toxic naturally occurring organic compound that can form a deep eutectic solvent with xylose. Acknowledging the benefits of cost-effective transition metal-based alloys, Ni3Fe1 bimetallic nanoparticles were utilized as a hetero-catalyst. Under optimized reaction conditions (110 °C, 3 h and 30 bar H2), a highly concentrated feed of xylose (76 wt.%) was converted to 80% of xylitol, showing the benefit of using choline chloride. Overall, the catalytic conversion activity and the product selectivity in the substrate-assisted DES media are relatively high but, the recyclability of the catalyst should be improved in the presence of such media.