bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Small Samples Active Sonar Target Recognition Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Chen Yule , Liang Hong , Pang Shuo
Published: August 2022

Underwater target classification methods based on deep learning suffer from obvious model overfitting and low recognition accuracy in the case of small samples and complex underwater environments. This paper proposes a novel classification network (EfficientNet-S) based on EfficientNet-V2S. After optimization with model scaling, EfficientNet-S significantly improves the recognition accuracy of the test set. As deep learning models typically require very large datasets to train millions of model parameter, the number of underwater target echo samples is far more insufficient. We propose a deep convolutional generative adversarial network (SGAN) based on the idea of group padding and even-size convolution kernel for high-quality data augmentation. The results of anechoic pool experiments show that our algorithm effectively suppresses the overfitting phenomenon, achieves the best recognition accuracy of 92.5%, and accurately classifies underwater targets based on active echo datasets with small samples.
Impacts of High-Density Suspended Aquaculture on Water Currents: Observation and Modeling
Authors: Liu Xuehai , Zhang Xuelei
Published: August 2022

Large-scale aquaculture activities in China have been rapidly developing in coastal waters, and they inevitably affect hydrodynamic structures and, hence, substance transportation. Predicting the effects is critical for understanding the environmental ecology and biochemical processes in these waters. To realize the solution, we conducted a field observation in Sungo Bay, which is an important aquaculture bay in China, and we developed a three-dimensional numerical model by arranging so-called porous structures, representing the aquaculture facilities, on grids of the culture layers. The energy-loss coefficients were specified to determine the momentum loss by the friction of the structures. We determined the appropriate coefficients for the oyster, scallop, and kelp cultures by using numerical simulation. According to the observation and model results, the aquaculture substantially weakened the current velocities in the culture layers and altered the vertical structures of the water currents. For this high-density and large-scale culture bay, the decrease rates of the current velocities in the culture layer were up to ~68%, ~65% and ~60% in the culture zones of oysters, scallops, and kelps, respectively. Bivalve cultures and kelp and bivalve cultures reduced the water-exchange ability of the bay by 33% and 50%, respectively. The method and results of this study provide a reference for studies on other aquaculture bays.
Alternative Splicing in Trichophyton rubrum Occurs in Efflux Pump Transcripts in Response to Antifungal Drugs
Authors: Lopes Marcos E. R. , Bitencourt Tamires A. , Sanches Pablo R. , Martins Maíra P. , Oliveira Vanderci M. , Rossi Antonio , Martinez-Rossi Nilce M.
Published: August 2022

Dermatophytes are challenging to treat because they have developed many strategies to neutralize the stress triggered by antifungals. Drug tolerance is achieved by mechanisms such as drug efflux and biofilm formation, and cellular efflux is a consequence of the synergistic and compensatory regulation of efflux pumps. Alternative splicing (AS) has also been considered as a mechanism that enhances fungal adaptive responses. We used RNA-seq data from the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum exposed to undecanoic acid (UDA) to search for and validate AS in genes encoding efflux pumps. The magnitude of this phenomenon was evaluated using UDA and other antifungals (caspofungin, itraconazole, and terbinafine) in planktonic and biofilm cultures. In addition to the conventional isoforms, the efflux pump encoded by TERG_04309 presented two intron-retained isoforms. Biofilms trigger the simultaneous production of at least two isoforms. The intron-retained isoforms showed short lengths and topologically different organization. Furthermore, we identified the putative interaction of efflux pumps (TERG_04309 and TERG_04224). Co-expression of these genes suggests a synergistic action in antifungal resistance. Our data provide new insights into drug tolerance related to differential isoform usage and the co-expression of stress-responsive genes, which may lead to higher antifungal resistance, mainly in biofilms.
Echocardiographic and Cardiac MRI Comparison of Longitudinal Strain and Strain Rate in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Mirza Jibran , Sunder Sunitha Shyam , Karthikeyan Badri , Kattel Sharma , Pokharel Saraswati , Quigley Brian , Sharma Umesh C.
Published: August 2022

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced cardiac side effects in cancer patients are increasingly being recognized and can be fatal. There is no standardized cardiac imaging test to examine the effects of ICIs in myocardial morphology and function. Objective: To study the utility of echocardiography and cardiac MRI in examining regional and global changes arising from ICI-induced myocarditis and cardiomyopathy in high-risk subjects suspected to have developed ICI cardiomyopathy. Methods: We studied eight consecutive patients referred for cardiac MRI (CMR) from a comprehensive cancer center for suspected ICI-induced myocarditis and compared the data with sixteen age-matched controls. Using newly developed strain analysis algorithms, we measured myocardial strain and strain rates using echocardiography and CMR. Then, we compared the mean longitudinal strain and strain rates derived from echocardiography and CMR in the same ICI-treated cohort of patients (n = 8). They underwent both of these imaging studies with images taken 24–48 h apart and followed up prospectively within the same hospital course. Results: All our cases had preserved ejection fraction (EF) > 50%. Echocardiogram showed reduced mean systolic longitudinal strain (LS, %) (ICI: −12.381 ± 4.161; control: −19.761 ± 1.925; p < 0.001), peak systolic strain rate (SRS, s−1) (ICI: −0.597 ± 0.218; control: −0.947 ± 0.135; p = 0.002) and early diastolic strain rate (SRE, s−1) (ICI: 0.562 ± 0.295; control: 1.073 ± 0.228; p = 0.002) in ICI-treated cases. Direct comparison between the echocardiogram vs. CMR obtained within the same hospital course demonstrated strong a correlation of LS scores (r = 0.83, p = 0.012) and SRS scores (r = 0.71, p = 0.048). The Bland–Altman plots showed that 95% of the data points fitted within the ±1.96 SD of the mean difference, suggesting an agreement among these two imaging modalities. Conclusion: In this feasibility cohort study, both echocardiography- and CMR-based strain indices illustrate changes in myocardial contractility and relaxation suggestive of ICI-induced cardiomyopathy. Our data, after validation in a larger cohort, can form the basis of myocardial imaging in cancer patients treated with ICIs.
Dendrimers, an Emerging Opportunity in Personalized Medicine?
Authors: Caminade Anne-Marie
Published: August 2022

Dendrimers are highly branched macromolecules tailorable at will to fulfil precise requirements. They have generated a great many expectations and a huge number of publications and patents in relation to medicine, including in relation to personalized medicine, but have resulted in very poor clinical translation up to now. As clinical trials are the first steps in view of developing new compounds for (a personalized) medicine, this review focusses on the clinical trials carried out with dendrimers. Many of these clinical trials have been recently posted (2020–2022); thus, only very few concern phase 3. The safety and efficiency of essentially two main types of dendrimers, based on polylysine and polyamidoamide scaffolds, have been assessed up to now. These dendrimers were tested with the aim of treating mainly bacterial vaginosis, cancers, and COVID-19.
Intradermal Allergen Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis: Current Evidence
Authors: Atipas Kawita , Kanjanawasee Dichapong , Tantilipikorn Pongsakorn
Published: August 2022

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammatory disease that is induced by allergen introduction to the nasal mucosa, which triggers an inflammatory response. The current treatments for AR include allergen avoidance and pharmacotherapy; however, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment that can be employed to modify immunologic responses and to achieve a cure for allergic diseases. The current standard routes of AIT administration are the subcutaneous and sublingual routes. Alternatively, the dermis contains a high density of dermal dendritic cells that act as antigen-presenting cells, so intradermal administration may confer added advantages and increase the efficacy of AIT. Moreover, intradermal immunotherapy (IDIT) may facilitate a reduction in the allergen dosage and a shortening of the treatment duration. The aim of this review was to search and evaluate the current evidence specific to IDIT, including its modified formulations, such as allergoids and peptides. The results of this review reveal conflicting evidence that suggests that the overall benefit of IDIT remains unclear. As such, further clinical trials are needed to establish the clinical utility of IDIT, and to determine the optimal treatment-related protocols.
A Review of Functional Outcomes after the App-Based Rehabilitation of Patients with TKA and THA
Authors: Bäcker Henrik Constantin , Wu Chia H. , Pförringer Dominik , Petersen Wolf , Stöckle Ulrich , Braun Karl F.
Published: August 2022

Following the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, several elective surgeries were cancelled, and rehabilitation units were closed. This has led to difficulties for patients seeking access to rehabilitation in order to achieve the best possible outcome. New applications with or without sensors were developed to address this need, but the outcome has not been examined in detail yet. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature review on smart phone applications for patients suffering from hip and knee osteoarthritis after arthroplasty. The MEDLINE/PubMed and Google databases were queried using the search term “[APP] AND [ORTHOPEDIC]” according to PRISMA guidelines. All prospective studies investigating rehabilitation applications reporting the functional outcome in hip and knee osteoarthritis after arthroplasty were included. The initial search yielded 420 entries, but only 9 publications met the inclusion criteria, accounting for 1067 patients. In total, 518 patients were in the intervention group, and 549 patients were in the control group. The average follow-up was 9.5 ± 8.1 months (range: 3 to 23.4 months). Overall, significantly lower A-VAS values were observed for the interventional group in the short term (p = 0.002). There were no other significant differences observed between the two groups. Smart phone applications provide an alternative to in-person sessions that may improve access for patients after total joint arthroplasty. Our study found there are significant improvements in the short term by using this approach. In combination with a blue-tooth-enabled sensor for isometric exercises, patients can even receive real-time feedback after total knee arthroplasty.
Lymphatic Tissue Transfer: Ultrasound-Guided Description and Preoperative Planning of Vascularised Lymph Nodes, Lymphatic Units, and Lymphatic Vessels Transfers
Authors: Visconti Giuseppe , Bianchi Alessandro , Salgarello Marzia , Di Leone Alba , Hayashi Akitatsu , Masetti Riccardo , Franceschini Gianluca
Published: August 2022

Background: The modern concept of lymphatic transfer includes vascularised lymph node transfer (VLNT), lymphatic vessels transfer (lymph interpositional flap transfer, LIFT) and lymphatic system transfer (vascularised lymph nodes and afferent lymphatics, LYST). The aim of this paper was to report our experience with different types of lymphatic transfer. Patients and Method: From June 2016 to June 2020, 30 consecutive patients affected by extremity lymphedema and 15 patients affected by post-traumatic lower extremity soft tissue defects, underwent lymphatic transfer (VLNT, LYST or LIFT). All cases were preoperatively evaluated by both high frequency and ultra-high frequency ultrasound. Flap features were recorded, as well as qualitative and quantitative outcomes at 1 year postoperative. Results: The mean postoperative lymphedema index reduction was 7.2 ± 5.7 for upper extremity and 20.7 ± 7.1 for lower extremity. No dismission of compression garments occurred, 12 patients (26%) referred more stable results of physical treatment and 1 case showed a 1-class compression reduction. All the LIFTs aimed as preventive did not develop post-traumatic lymphedema. In all cases of distal placement of VLNT and/or LYST, patients were dissatisfied with the aesthetic appearance of reconstruction, while no donor site scar disappointment was referred. Conclusion: When LVA is not feasible, LTT may represent a valid treatment option. This report was aimed at comprehensively describing and assessing how different lymphatic tissue transfer modalities may fulfil the different reconstructive needs of lymphedema patients.
Earnings Less Risk-Free Interest Charge (ERIC) and Stock Returns—A Value-Based Management Perspective on ERIC’s Relative and Incremental Information Content
Authors: Lueg Rainer , Toft Jon Svennesen
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the relative and incremental information content of KPMG’s recently developed metric for shareholder value creation: earnings less risk-free interest charge (ERIC). We assess if ERIC has a better ability to predict stock returns than earnings, cash flow from operations (CFO), earnings before extraordinary items (EBEI), residual income (RI), or economic value added (EVA). We evaluate data from 214 companies listed on the U.S. Standard & Poor’s 500 Index from 2003 to 2012 (2354 firm-year observations). Similar to previous studies, we confirm that CFO and EBEI have the strongest association with stock returns in the short term, while EVA trails behind all other metrics. In terms of new findings, ERIC is the best predictor of stock returns over a 5-year period, as well as during times of crises (from 2009 to 2010). In this period, ERIC also adds incremental information content beyond that of EBEI. However, the low-short-/mid-term predictive ability of shareholder value metrics (EVA, ERIC) raises concerns regarding their reliable use in future research on shareholder value creation. We consequently propose a research agenda that focuses less on the measurement and more on the management of shareholder value.
The Pervasive Role of Campaign and Product-Related Uncertainties in Inhibiting Crowdfunding Success
Authors: Hopp Christian , Rose Stefan , Kaminski Jermain
Published: August 2022

In this research, we study the funding decision in crowdfunding from the perspective of potential backers. We assess whether perceived uncertainty affects the decision to contribute to crowdfunding campaigns. For this purpose, we conduct a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment with different stages of product development and the perceived innovativeness of products depicted in campaigns. Our findings show that an early development stage positively affects perceived uncertainty, adversely affecting the willingness to contribute. Simultaneously, higher perceived innovativeness elicits higher uncertainty perceptions, negatively influencing the willingness to contribute. Our research furthers an understanding of entrepreneur perspective taking to overcome uncertainty perceptions from the indeterminacy of crowdfunding campaigns.
Edge Intelligence in Smart Grids: A Survey on Architectures, Offloading Models, Cyber Security Measures, and Challenges
Authors: Molokomme Daisy Nkele , Onumanyi Adeiza James , Abu-Mahfouz Adnan M.
Published: August 2022

The rapid development of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the deployment of advanced Internet of Things (IoT)-based devices has led to the study and implementation of edge computing technologies in smart grid (SG) systems. In addition, substantial work has been expended in the literature to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) techniques into edge computing, resulting in the promising concept of edge intelligence (EI). Consequently, in this article, we provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art in terms of EI-based SG adoption from a range of angles, including architectures, computation offloading, and cybersecurity concerns. The basic objectives of this article are fourfold. To begin, we discuss EI and SGs separately. Then we highlight contemporary concepts closely related to edge computing, fundamental characteristics, and essential enabling technologies from an EI perspective. Additionally, we discuss how the use of AI has aided in optimizing the performance of edge computing. We have emphasized the important enabling technologies and applications of SGs from the perspective of EI-based SGs. Second, we explore both general edge computing and architectures based on EI from the perspective of SGs. Thirdly, two basic questions about computation offloading are discussed: what is computation offloading and why do we need it? Additionally, we divided the primary articles into two categories based on the number of users included in the model, either a single user or a multiple user instance. Finally, we review the cybersecurity threats with edge computing and the methods used to mitigate them in SGs. Therefore, this survey comes to the conclusion that most of the viable architectures for EI in smart grids often consist of three layers: device, edge, and cloud. In addition, it is crucial that computation offloading techniques must be framed as optimization problems and addressed effectively in order to increase system performance. This article typically intends to serve as a primer for emerging and interested scholars concerned with the study of EI in SGs.
The Distribution Model and Spatial Structure of Market Towns in the Pearl River Delta during the Ming, Qing, and Min-Guo Periods: A Case Study of Taishan County
Authors: Feng Shuyin , Lu Qi , Wu Zhaohui , Guo Zihui
Published: August 2022

Previous studies have clarified that there are certain regularities in the spatial organization of traditional Chinese rural market towns as viewed from the perspective of the economic geography and local society. Nevertheless, the results of some studies concerning distribution patterns and factors influencing these patterns are contradictory, and there are few comprehensive analyses of the influence of interconnected variables. Taishan County in the Pearl River Delta of Guangdong Province is used as an example, and the results of the identification of the distribution pattern of market towns within this county are determined as clustered by using the Voronoi method and the calculated coefficients of variation (Cv). The correlation between the market towns and the physical and social environment is quantified and illustrated through Geographic Information Systems (GIS), logistic regression analysis, and graphic methods, and the application of nuclear density change rates clarifies the development trajectory, which explains the phenomenon of market town clustering with ecological and cultural significance. Overall, the results indicate traditional preferences for sites characterized by low elevation, little slope, proximity to water, and productive agricultural land, while at the local scale, the spatial–temporal arrangement of market towns reflects partitioning and interactions between distinct clans. Further integrating the perspective of environmental history, we propose that the structural relationships of natural ecology, subsistence mode, and social organization crucially constitute the site selection and layout logic of market towns.
Effect of Policy Cognition on the Intention of Villagers’ Withdrawal from Rural Homesteads
Authors: Shi Ranran , Hou Ling , Jia Binghui , Jin Yaya , Zheng Weiwei , Wang Xiangdong , Hou Xianhui
Published: August 2022

The Chinese government encourages villagers to withdraw from rural homesteads and puts these homesteads into the land market to revitalize rural homestead resources and make up for the lack of new construction land. Unfortunately, the implementation of the withdrawal from rural homesteads (WRH) policy remains slow. To realize the effective promotion of WRH policy, exploring the impact of policy cognition (PC) on villagers’ WRH intentions has become the key to solving the above problems. Thus, field survey data on 280 villagers in 13 administrative villages in the Yangling Demonstration district of Shaanxi province were collected through a face-to-face household survey. In addition, combined with the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study used the structural equation model (SEM) to empirically analyze the influence of PC on the intentions of villagers’ WRH. Our empirical results indicated that benefit cognition and difficulty cognition were the focus of the villagers and had positive and negative effects on the intention of WRH, respectively. Government behavior also played a positive role in villagers’ WRH intentions. Villagers would consider compensation standards, pay closer attention to improving the living environment and employment opportunities, and express individual intentions. We believe policymakers should systematically consider the various impacts of WRH policy on villagers and build the villagers’ participation system of WRH and cross-regional transaction system for WRH indicators. This paper further enriches the conceptual framework of PC, which may help us better understand villagers’ responses to relevant policy reforms.
The Use of High-Resolution Remote Sensing Data in Preparation of Input Data for Large-Scale Landslide Hazard Assessments
Authors: Sinčić Marko , Bernat Gazibara Sanja , Krkač Martin , Lukačić Hrvoje , Mihalić Arbanas Snježana
Published: August 2022

The objective of the study is to show that landslide conditioning factors derived from different source data give significantly different relative influences on the weight factors derived with statistical models for landslide susceptibility modelling and risk analysis. The analysis of the input data for large-scale landslide hazard assessment was performed on a study area (20.2 km2) in Hrvatsko Zagorje (Croatia, Europe), an area highly susceptible to sliding with limited geoinformation data, including landslide data. The main advantage of remote sensing technique (i.e., LiDAR, Light Detection and Ranging) data and orthophoto images is that they enable 3D surface models with high precision and spatial resolution that can be used for deriving all input data needed for landslide hazard assessment. The visual interpretation of LiDAR DTM (Digital Terrain Model) morphometric derivatives resulted in a detailed and complete landslide inventory map, which consists of 912 identified and mapped landslides, ranging in size from 3.3 to 13,779 m2. This inventory was used for quantitative analysis of 16 input data layers from 11 different sources to analyse landslide presence in factor classes and thus comparing landslide conditioning factors from available small-scale data with high-resolution LiDAR data and orthophoto images, pointing out the negative influence of small-scale source data. Therefore, it can be concluded that small-scale landslide factor maps derived from publicly available sources should not be used for large-scale analyses because they will result in incorrect assumptions about conditioning factors compared with LiDAR DTM derivative factor maps. Furthermore, high-resolution LiDAR DTM and orthophoto images are optimal input data because they enable derivation of the most commonly used landslide conditioning factors for susceptibility modelling and detailed datasets about elements at risk (i.e., buildings and traffic infrastructure data layers).
Revealing the Impact of Protected Areas on Land Cover Volatility in China
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Rao Yongheng , Zhu Hongbo
Published: August 2022

Protected areas are fundamental for maintaining ecosystem functions and have generally been considered to affect land use change. Here, we explored how protected areas affected land cover volatility in China from 2011 to 2020 with LandTrendr using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform by comparing the difference in volatility of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in protected and unprotected areas. The results show that the regions with frequent land cover volatility are mainly located in eastern, central, and southwestern China, indicating that land cover volatility with high NDVI loss values is spatially aggregated in most cases. Considering the impact of protected areas, land cover volatility is relatively consistent inside and outside the protected area throughout the study period, showing a trend of first fluctuating and then rising. Approximately 22% of detected land cover volatility occurred in protected areas, though the average NDVI loss value (0.56) for protected areas was greater than unprotected areas (0.51). Combined with the outliers, land cover volatility accompanied by larger NDVI loss values is still primarily distributed in unprotected areas in most years. The detection of NDVI gain values in protected areas shows that protected areas (average value is 0.48) are larger than unprotected areas (average value is 0.47) almost every year, even combined with the outliers, and land cover volatility accompanied by larger NDVI gain values is also primarily distributed in protected areas in most years. Elucidating land cover volatility is helpful in understanding land cover changes and how to formulate an effective land use policy.
A Spatio-Temporal Monitoring Method Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data Applied to the Case of the Temi Landslide
Authors: Wang Hua , Guo Qing , Ge Xiaoqing , Tong Lianzi
Published: August 2022

It is challenging to monitor landslides due to their heavy concealment and the extreme destructiveness during the long development of landslides. Many landslide monitoring tools are somewhat onefold. In this paper, a comprehensive landslide monitoring method involving multiple factors from time-series multi-data sources is proposed. We focus on the changes in three aspects consisting of the vegetation condition, the surface deformation information and the landslide susceptibility. Firstly, the fractional vegetation cover of the landslide is extracted from optical remote sensing Gaofen-1 (GF-1) images using the dimidiate pixel model. Next, the surface deformation information of the landslide is derived from SAR remote sensing Sentinel-1A images applying the SBAS-InSAR method. Then, the landslide susceptibility based on GF-1, Sentinel-1A images and DEM data is computed using the analytic hierarchy process method. Finally, the spatio-temporal correlations of the vegetation condition, the surface deformation information and the landslide susceptibility are compared and interpreted. The Temi landslide is located along the Jinsha River and poses a high risk of blocking the river. Taking the Temi landslide as the study area, it is indicated from the results that the fractional vegetation cover, surface deformation information and landslide susceptibility reveal a consistency in the patterns of changes in spatial and temporal terms. As the surface deformation information improves, the status of the landslide vegetation also deteriorates and the landslide susceptibility becomes high, which indicates an increased probability of the creep and even the occurrence of landslides. In contrast, when the surface deformation information drops, the vegetation condition of the landslide becomes superior and the landslide becomes less susceptible, which means the likelihood of sliding declines. This study provides a new idea for a landslide monitoring method and potential way for natural disaster prevention and mitigation.
Digital Synesthesia in Heritage and Second Language Writing during Collaborative and Individual Digital Storytelling
Authors: Maqueda Cheryl H.
Published: August 2022

Using the social semiotic multimodal approach, this study compared the transformation and transduction moves of eight Spanish heritage language learners (SHLs) and six second-language learners (L2s) as they composed collaborative and individual digital stories (DSs) in an undergraduate advanced Spanish writing class. The research analyzed the learners’ composing processes regarding digital synesthesia when working collaboratively and individually as they integrated written, oral, aural, and visual semiotic resources. The data revealed that SHLs demonstrated more frequent and more complex digital synesthesia than did their L2 classmates during their quest for digital multimodality in Spanish, indicating improvement via task repetition in frequency and variety of integrated modes.
Forgivingness of an Anteromedially Positioned Small Locked Plate for High Tibial Osteotomy in Case of Overcorrection and Lateral Hinge Fracture
Authors: Böhle Sabrina , Bischoff Lars , Ehrenmann Kristin , Layher Frank , Sander Klaus , Matziolis Georg , Pietsch Stefan
Published: August 2022

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) represents a sensible treatment option for patients with moderate unicondylar osteoarthritis of the knee and extraarticular malalignment. The possibility of a continuously variable correction setting and a surgical approach low in complications has meant that the medial opening osteotomy has prevailed over the past decades. The objective of the present study was to determine whether anteromedially positioned small plates are nevertheless forgiving under biomechanically unfavourable conditions (overcorrection and lateral hinge fracture). In this study, a simulated HTO was performed on composite tibiae with a 10-mm wedge and fixed-angle anteromedial osteosynthesis with a small implant. Force was applied axially in a neutral mechanical axis, a slight and a marked overcorrection into valgus, with and without a lateral hinge fracture in each case. At the same time, a physiological gait with a dual-peak force profile and a peak load of 2.4 kN was simulated. Interfragmentary motion and rigidity were determined. The rigidity of the osteosynthesis increased over the cycles investigated. A slight overcorrection into valgus led to the lowest interfragmentary motion, compared with pronounced valgisation and neutral alignment. A lateral hinge fracture led to a significant decrease in rigidity and increase in interfragmentary motion. However, in no case was the limit of 1 mm interfragmentary motion critical for osteotomy healing exceeded. The degree of correction of the leg axis, and the presence of a lateral hinge fracture, have an influence on rigidity and interfragmentary motion. From a mechanically neutral axis ranging up to pronounced overcorrection, the implant investigated offers sufficient stability to allow healing of the osteotomy, even if a lateral hinge fracture is present.
Artificial Intelligence in Cryo-Electron Microscopy
Authors: Chung Jeong , Durie Clarissa , Lee Jinseok
Published: August 2022

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become an unrivaled tool for determining the structure of macromolecular complexes. The biological function of macromolecular complexes is inextricably tied to the flexibility of these complexes. Single particle cryo-EM can reveal the conformational heterogeneity of a biochemically pure sample, leading to well-founded mechanistic hypotheses about the roles these complexes play in biology. However, the processing of increasingly large, complex datasets using traditional data processing strategies is exceedingly expensive in both user time and computational resources. Current innovations in data processing capitalize on artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency of data analysis and validation. Here, we review new tools that use AI to automate the data analysis steps of particle picking, 3D map reconstruction, and local resolution determination. We discuss how the application of AI moves the field forward, and what obstacles remain. We also introduce potential future applications of AI to use cryo-EM in understanding protein communities in cells.
Potential Role of miR-196a and miR-196b as Prognostic Biomarkers of Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Dioguardi Mario , Cantore Stefania , Sovereto Diego , La Femina Lucia , Caloro Giorgia Apollonia , Spirito Francesca , Scacco Salvatore , Di Cosola Michele , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Troiano Giuseppe , Ballini Andrea
Published: August 2022

The etiopathogenetic mechanisms involving tumor genesis, including alteration of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and death, may lead to alterations in microRNAs (miR) expression. The hypothesis is that with the presence in the literature of recent studies conducted on miR-196a and miR-196b, it is possible to clearly determine, by aggregating the results, whether miR-196 upregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues can represent a prognostic biomarker of survival through hazard ratio (HR) analysis. The systematic review was conducted following the indications of the PRISMA, and four electronic databases were used (Science Direct, SCOPUS, PubMed, and Cochrane Central), with the addition of gray literature. Combinations of keywords were used, such as miR-196, miR-196 AND HNSCC, microRNA AND HNSCC, LSCC AND miR-196, OSCC AND miR-196, OPSCC AND miR-196, HSCC AND miR-196. The meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were performed using RevMan 5.41 software and Stata 13 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) with the implementation of the R 4.2 software. This search identified 1593 reports and, at the end of the selection, five articles were inserted. The results of the meta-analysis report an aggregate HR for overall survival (OS), between the highest and lowest miR-196 expression of 1.67, 95% CI: [1.16, 2.49]. In this meta-analysis, we found that the forest plot is in favor of higher OS in HNSCC patients, compared with the control, with low miR-196 expression, correlating this data with a favorable prognosis, which indicated the potential role of this miRNA in strengthening the therapy sensitiveness of the HNSCC patients. Consequently, the present systematic review places itself, together with other systematic reviews on this topic, in a key role to the finding of Phase 3 clinical trials studies, in search for a prognostic model of miR-196 for HNSCC. In conclusion, with the limitations of the meta-analysis, it can be argued that miRs of the miR-196 family could be independent prognostic biomarkers of survival for HNSCC.
Circadian Rhythm Regulates Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Inhibits Al-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Peanut
Authors: Ntambiyukuri Aaron , Li Xia , Xiao Dong , Wang Aiqin , Zhan Jie , He Longfei
Published: August 2022

Peanut is among the most important oil crops in the world. In the southern part of China, peanut is highly produced; however, the arable land is acidic. In acidic soils, aluminum (Al) inhibits plant growth and development by changing the properties of the cell wall and causing the disorder of the intracellular metabolic process. Circadian rhythm is an internal mechanism that occurs about every 24 h and enables plants to maintain internal biological processes with a daily cycle. To investigate the effect of photoperiod and Al stress on the Al-induced programmed cell death (PCD), two peanut varieties were treated with 100 μM AlCl3 under three photoperiodic conditions (8/16, SD; 12/12, ND; 16/8 h, LD). The results show that Al toxicity was higher in ZH2 than in 99-1507 and higher under LD than under SD. Root length decreased by 30, 37.5, and 50% in ZH2 and decreased by 26.08, 34.78, and 47.82% in 99-1507 under SD, ND, and LD, respectively, under Al stress. Photoperiod and Al induced cell death and ROS production. MDA content, PME activity, and LOX activity increased under SD, ND, and LD, respectively, under Al stress both in ZH2 and 99-1507. APX, SOD, CAT, and POD activities were higher under SD, ND, and LD, respectively. Al stress increased the level of AhLHY expression under SD and ND but decreased it under LD in both ZH2 and 99-1507. Contrastingly, AhSTS expression levels increased exponentially and were higher under SD, LD, and ND, respectively, under Al stress. Our results will be a useful platform to research PCD induced by Al and gain new insights into the genetic manipulation of the circadian clock for plant stress response.
Thrombus Density in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Depends on Slice Thickness and the Method of Manual Thrombus Delineation
Authors: Shu Liang , Meyne Johannes , Jansen Olav , Jensen-Kondering Ulf
Published: August 2022

Introduction: High thrombus attenuation on CT has been suggested as a predictor of successful recanalization. It is as well speculated that thrombi of different density may be susceptible to different methods of mechanical thrombectomy. In this study we sought to determine the effect of different methods of manual thrombus delineation and reconstructed slice thickness on thrombus density. Material and Methods: Fifty-six patients with acute occlusion of the basilar artery treated with endovascular therapy were retrospectively included. Clinical, demographic, radiological and outcome parameters were collected. Two raters measured absolute and relative thrombus density employing three different methods (one region of interest, three regions of interest, whole thrombus delineation) and using three different reconstructed slice thicknesses (0.625, 2.5 and 5 mm) of the original admission CT. Results: Thirty-nine patients were successfully recanalized (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score ≥ 2b). Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale ≤ 2) occurred significantly more often in the recanalized group (36 vs. 6%, p = 0.023, Fisher’s exact test), in the non-recanalized group symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred more often (9 vs. 29%, p = 0.001, Fisher’s exact test). Absolute and relative thrombus density were largely different between methods and slice thicknesses. Multiple regression showed a decrease of thrombus density with increasing slice thickness (β = −3.98, p < 0.001) and logistic regression showed a statistically significant but very small relation between density and recanalization (β = 0.006, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.006 (1.003–1.01), p < 0.001). Conclusions: The methods for manual thrombus delineation and reconstructed slice thickness had a significant influence on absolute and relative thrombus density. Density alone may be of limited value as a predictive marker for recanalization success in acute occlusion of the basilar artery. Standards for density measurements must be defined when comparing different studies and when evaluating different methods of mechanical thrombectomy.
The Insulin-like Growth Factor System and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gligorijević Nikola , Dobrijević Zorana , Šunderić Miloš , Robajac Dragana , Četić Danilo , Penezić Ana , Miljuš Goran , Nedić Olgica
Published: August 2022

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are peptides which exert mitogenic, endocrine and cytokine activities. Together with their receptors, binding proteins and associated molecules, they participate in numerous pathophysiological processes, including cancer development. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, whose etiology usually represents a combination of the environmental and genetic factors. IGFs are most often increased in CRC, enabling excessive autocrine/paracrine stimulation of the cell growth. Overexpression or increased activation/accessibility of IGF receptors is a coinciding step which transmits IGF-related signals. A number of molecules and biochemical mechanisms exert modulatory effects shaping the final outcome of the IGF-stimulated processes, frequently leading to neoplastic transformation in the case of irreparable disbalance. The IGF system and related molecules and pathways which participate in the development of CRC are the focus of this review.
Effects of a Combined Intradialytic Exercise Training Program and Music on Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Mitsiou Maria , Dimitros Eleftherios , Roumeliotis Stefanos , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Kouidi Evangelia , Deligiannis Asterios
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to examine the effect of an intradialytic exercise program in combination with music on heart rate variability (HRV) indices and functional capacity in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Methods: Forty HD patients were randomized to four training groups for six months: the combined music and exercise group (Group A), the exercise group (Group B), the music group (Group C), and the control group (Group D). At baseline and after 6 months, all participants underwent both short- (for 30 min) and long- (for 24 h) term measurements of HRV and functional capacity assessment with a 6 min walking test (6MWT). Patients of groups A and C listened to preferred music. Results: Long-term HRV analysis showed that standard deviation of all normal-to-normal RR intervals (SDNN) and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (rMSSD) were significantly higher at the end of the study in groups A (by 13.2% and 47.3%), B (by 15.1% and 50%), and C (by 9.0% and 30.1%), compared to group D (p < 0.05). Values of rMSSD and percentage of RR intervals differing by more than 50 ms from the preceding RR interval (pNN50) were elevated in groups A (by 35.6% and 142.9%), B (by 36.1% and 75%), and C (by 15.2% and 28.6%), compared to baseline measurements (p < 0.05). Also, pNN50 was increased in group A compared to groups B (by 21.4%), C (by 88.9%), and D (by 142.9%) (p < 0.05). Similar results were noted by short-term HRV analysis. Functional capacity was improved at the end of the 6-month study in groups A (by 20.3% and 25.7%) and B (by 15.8% and 21.1%) compared to groups C and D (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intradialytic exercise combined with music-listening can improve the functional capacity and cardiac autonomic nervous system activity in hemodialysis patients.
Transcriptome Analyses Indicate Significant Association of Increased Non-Additive and Allele-Specific Gene Expression with Hybrid Weakness in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Wang Yingheng , Xia Jing , Huang Likun , Lin Qiang , Cai Qiuhua , Xie Hongguang , He Wei , Wei Yidong , Xie Huaan , Tang Weiqi , Wu Weiren , Zhang Jianfu
Published: August 2022

The heterosis in hybrid rice is highly affected by the environment and hybrid weakness occurs frequently depending on the genotypes of the hybrid and its parents. Hybrid weakness was also observed in our field experiments on nine rice hybrids produced by 3 × 3 incomplete diallel crosses. Among the nine hybrids, five displayed mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield per plant, while four showed mid-parent hybrid weakness (MPHW). A sequencing analysis of transcriptomes in panicles at the seed-filling stage revealed a significant association between enhanced non-additive gene expression (NAE) and allele-specific gene expression (ASE) with hybrid weakness. High proportions of ASE genes, with most being of mono-allele expression, were detected in the four MPHW hybrids, ranging from 22.65% to 45.97%; whereas only 4.80% to 5.69% of ASE genes were found in the five MPH hybrids. Moreover, an independence test indicated that the enhancements of NAE and ASE in the MPHW hybrids were significantly correlated. Based on the results of our study, we speculated that an unfavorable environment might cause hybrid weakness by enhancing ASE and NAE at the transcriptome level.
Retinal Infarction: A Pilot Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Thrombolysis and Underlying Aetiologies
Authors: Schönecker Sonja , Wischmann Johannes , Thunstedt Dennis C. , Feil Katharina , Mackert Marc J. , Priglinger Siegfried , Kellert Lars
Published: August 2022

Background: Treatment of non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion is still inconsistent. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and describe the prevalence of co-occurring ischemic brain lesions in patients with acute visual loss due to ischemia. Methods: We analysed 38 consecutive patients with acute visual loss between January 2015 and June 2020. Patients presenting within 4.5 h of symptom onset without any contraindication were treated with IVT. Patients underwent neurologic and ophthalmologic examination and diagnostic workup for the underlying aetiology. Follow-up was performed after 3 and 12 months. Results: Patients treated with IVT had a significantly better functional outcome at discharge compared to patients treated conservatively. No additional ischemic brain lesions were detected (0 of 38). Three patients had extracranial carotid artery stenosis ≥50%. Atrial fibrillation was present in four patients, three of whom already received oral anticoagulation. In the remaining 31 patients no embolic source was detected. However, the number of plaques were rated mild to moderate. Within three months, one patient developed transient visual loss while another suffered a contralateral transient ischemic attack. Conclusions: IVT may represent a safe and effective treatment option in patients with isolated visual loss due to ischemia. The aetiology was atherosclerotic burden rather than embolism caused by carotid stenosis or atrial fibrillation, bringing the current diagnostic procedure and therapy into question. Randomized trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IV thrombolysis and clarify the aetiology of isolated visual loss due to ischemia.
Influence of Graphene Nanosheets on Thermo-Physical and Tribological Properties of Sustainable Cutting Fluids for MQL Application in Machining Processes
Authors: Baldin Vitor , da Silva Leonardo Rosa Ribeiro , Gelamo Rogério Valentim , Iglesias Andres Bustillo , da Silva Rosemar Batista , Khanna Navneet , Rocha Machado Alisson
Published: August 2022

The growing need to increase productivity and pressures for more sustainable manufacturing processes lead to a shift to less harmful lubrication systems that are less harmful to nature and the people involved. The minimal quantity lubrication system (MQL) stands out in this respect, especially in interrupted cutting processes such as milling, due to the cutting interface’s highly dynamic and chaotic nature. Using graphene sheets in cutting fluids also increases the efficiency of machining processes. This work investigates the influence on thermophysical and tribological properties of concentrations of 0.05 wt% and 0.1 wt% of graphene sheets in two vegetable-based and one mineral-based cutting fluids. The fluids are first characterized (viscosity, thermal conductivity, diffusivity, and wettability) and tested in reciprocating and ramp milling tests; all experiments are based on norms. The results show that the experiments with cutting fluids (with and without graphene) showed better tribological behavior than those in dry conditions. The graphene sheets alter the thermo-physical and tribological properties of the cutting fluids. The MQL15 vegetable-based fluid showed better lubricating properties in the milling tests, with better conditions for tribosystem chip–tool–workpiece interfaces, which makes the friction coefficient, and wear rate stable. Vegetable-based cutting fluids, even in minimum quantities and with graphene nanoparticles, have a high potential for increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the milling process.