bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Model to Select Indicator Species Based on Individual Species’ Contributions to Biodiversity
Authors: Chu Ta-Jen , Shih Yi-Jia , Shih Chun-Han , Wang Jia-Qiao , Huang Liang-Min , Tsai Shu-Chen
Published: July 2022

In both ecological research and engineering, the selection of indicator species is crucial. Biodiversity has always been an important policy objective for ecologists and environmental managers. Based on this target requirement, we developed a method that reveals the individual contributions of species to biodiversity to quantitatively identify indicator species for selection during environmental monitoring. The Siangshan Wetland in Hsinchu, Taiwan, was selected as an application case. The spread of mangroves not only changed the original habitat composition and function of benthic organisms in wetlands, but also led to problems such as estuary filling, flooding, and black mosquito breeding. Therefore, a large-scale mangrove removal project was undertaken by the Hsinchu City Government from October 2015 to March 2016. In this study, the biological effects of mangrove removal on benthic organisms and adjacent habitats were investigated from October 2015 to September 2016. According to biodiversity contribution algorithms, we identified five indicator species, namely, Mictyris brevidactylus, Macrophthalmus banzai, Uca arcuata, U. lacteal, and U. borealis. These indicator species had the most prominent biodiversity contribution, and they provided direct evidence of the beneficial effect of mangrove removal for wetland restoration. After mangrove deforestation, tidal flat species returned to their original habitats, and their related densities increased significantly in mangrove removal areas. Improving our understanding of the relationships between biodiversity and indicator species is crucial for the development of coastal management processes. Mangrove removal can be confirmed as an appropriate habitat rehabilitation strategy for benthic organisms. Consequently, these indicator species and the results obtained can provide valuable ecological information for those involved in coastal management or other officials seeking to control the spread of mangroves.
Sing-Ant: RFID Indoor Positioning System Using Single Antenna with Multiple Beams Based on LANDMARC Algorithm
Authors: Tan Ping , Tsinakwadi Tinaye Hamufari , Xu Zhe , Xu He
Published: July 2022

RFID localization methods have been widely used in indoor positioning systems (IPS). Most localization techniques involve the use of multiple antennas and the placement of antennas and readers in order to ensure accurate positioning results. However, most localization techniques are complex and require high overhead costs in terms of needing multiple antennas and RFID readers. In this paper, we proposed a method to use a single antenna to perform all the reads and rely rather on the antenna beams to acquire multiple positioning data. A single array of antennas is configured to have multiple angles of operation and rely on different power levels as compared to regular antennas. By manipulating the beam pattern, direction and power, multiple sub-antennas can be conceived and the method utilizes antenna beams and relies mainly on one antenna to realize two-dimensional localization.
Effective Identification of Technological Opportunities for Radical Inventions Using International Patent Classification: Application of Patent Data Mining
Authors: Yang Wendan , Cao Guozhong , Peng Qingjin , Zhang Junlei , He Chuan
Published: July 2022

Identifying technological opportunities early on is critical for the development of radical inventions (RIs). Patents are recognized as one of the most reliable resources for identifying technological opportunities. In line with this, this study aimed to suggest a novel approach for the identification of technological opportunities for RIs, based on the International Patent Classification (IPC), whose design knowledge has not been fully utilized. In this approach, technological opportunities for RIs are identified by measuring the value of technological novelty (VON) of each technology manifested in a patent set, and the value of difficulty (VOD) of each R&D theme contained in the patent set. Specifically, VONs are calculated through a novel map of technological changes over time, based on structured data from the patent set; and VODs are determined using natural language processing, K-means cluster analysis, and complex network analysis of the unstructured data from the patent set. The feasibility and operability of the proposed approach are verified in a case study of unmanned aerial vehicles. The proposed approach can help designers maximize the use of designs and expert knowledge in patent libraries, to formulate technical strategies for RIs.
Application of Reeds as Carbon Source for Enhancing Denitrification of Low C/N Micro-Polluted Water in Vertical-Flow Constructed Wetland
Authors: Tao Jiaqing , Zhang Ying , Zhang Ting , You Zhaoyang , Shah Kinjal J. , Kim Hyunook
Published: July 2022

Constructed wetlands have been applied to micro-polluted rivers and lakes. However, they often show poor nitrogen removal efficiency due to insufficient carbon sources for complete denitrification in the waters. In this study, a vertical-flow wetland system was built, in which reeds as a carbon source were added in the middle layer of the substrate. Thereby, the effect of the reed carbon source on denitrification of micro-polluted rivers and lakes with a low C/N ratio in the wetland and the denitrification mechanism were studied. The results showed that the concentrations of NH4+-N, NO3−-N and NO2−-N in the effluent of the constructed wetland were reduced to 0.17–0.35, 0.20–0.49 and 0.01–0.02 mg/L after adding the reed carbon source, and the removal efficiencies of the system for NH4+-N and NO3−-N reached 93.84% and 84.69%, respectively. The abundances of nirK, nirS, hzo and nrfA genes in the wetland substrate increased by 95.51%, 54.96%, 52.89% and 731.95%, respectively, which was considered to be related to the enhanced denitrification, anammox and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium of the wetland system. Reed planting promoted the increased abundances of amoA and nxrB genes, which might play a positive role in enhancing nitrification in wetland systems. The result of this study may provide a theoretical basis for the ecological restoration of low C/N micro-polluted water bodies.
Calculation of the Rearfoot Angle Representing Flatfoot from Comparison to the Cavanagh Arch Index
Authors: Umardani Yusuf , Wibowo Dwi Basuki , Caesarendra Wahyu , Suprihanto Agus , Pranoto Kirana Astari
Published: July 2022

A type of flatfoot can be analyzed accurately using the footprint when a human is standing; however, this method cannot be applied when a human is wearing orthotic shoes. This study aims to analyze flatfoot using the rearfoot angle (RFA) measurement. The result is then compared to a footprint measurement known as Cavanagh’s Arch Index (AI). A total of 31 static footprints of the participants consisting of 14 males and 17 females aged 18 to 25 years were collected. According to Cavanagh’s AI as a gold standard, the correlation equation was obtained as RFA = 46.04AI − 6.41 and RFA = 45.32AI − 6.26 for left and right foot, respectively. The correlation coefficient R2 for the left and the right foot is 0.63 and 0.73, respectively. Other statistical analyses using ANOVA and t-tests are presented in this paper. The correlation results obtained from this study are necessary for estimating the reduction in the degree of flatfoot when using orthotic shoes, which is difficult to calculate using the typical AI method from footprint measurements.
Influence of Fastener Failure on Dynamic Performance of Subway Vehicle
Authors: Zhan Tao , Yao Yuan , Li Jinping , Liu Xiang , Feng Yulin
Published: July 2022

The track fasteners may be damaged by fatigue and impact load during long-term subway operation, resulting in the failure of the connecting components between the rail and the track plate, and the spacing of rail support becomes larger, resulting in an increase in its dynamic deformation, affecting the subway vehicle’s running performance, and, in severe cases, endangering the vehicle’s running safety. A vehicle-subway track system model was created to study the running performance of subway vehicles when fasteners failed. A multi-rigid, body spring damping system is used to describe the vehicle system. The model for the track system is created using the finite element method (FEM), and the vehicle dynamic performances under various fastener failure scenarios are calculated, as well as the vehicle’s running comfort and safety in various scenarios. The findings show that fastener failure has little impact on the vehicle’s running comfort but it has a significant impact on the vehicle’s wheel unloading ratio.
Bearing Crack Diagnosis Using a Smooth Sliding Digital Twin to Overcome Fluctuations Arising in Unknown Conditions
Authors: Piltan Farzin , Kim Cheol-Hong , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: July 2022

Bearings cause the most breakdowns in induction motors, which can result in significant economic losses. If faults in the bearings are not detected in time, they can cause the whole system to fail. System failures can lead to unexpected breakdowns, threats to worker safety, and huge economic losses. In this investigation, a new approach is proposed for fault diagnosis of bearings under variable low-speed conditions using a smooth sliding digital twin analysis of indirect acoustic emission (AE) signals. The proposed smooth sliding digital twin is designed based on the combination of the proposed autoregressive fuzzy Gauss–Laguerre bearing modeling approach and the proposed smooth sliding fuzzy observer. The proposed approach has four steps. The AE signals are resampled and the root mean square (RMS) feature is extracted from the AE signal in the first step. To estimate the resampled RMS bearing signal, a new smooth sliding digital twin is proposed in the second step. After that, the resampled RMS bearing residual signal is generated using the difference between the original and estimated signals. Next, a support vector machine (SVM) is proposed for crack detection and crack size identification. The effectiveness of this new approach is evaluated by AE signals provided by our lab’s bearing dataset, where the benchmark dataset consists of one normal and seven abnormal conditions: ball, outer, inner, outer-ball, inner-ball, inner-outer, and inner-outer-ball. The results demonstrated that the average accuracies of the anomaly diagnosis and crack size identification of AE signals for the bearings used in this new smooth sliding digital twin are 97.75% and 97.78%, respectively.
Stepwise Multi-Task Learning Model for Holder Extraction in Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Park Ho-Min , Kim Jae-Hoon
Published: July 2022

Aspect-based sentiment analysis is a text analysis technique that categorizes data by aspect and identifies the sentiment attributed to each one and a task for a fine-grained sentiment analysis. In order to accurately perform a fine-grained sentiment analysis, a sentiment word within a text, a target it modifies, and a holder who represents the sentiment word are required; however, they should be extracted in sequence because the sentiment word is an important clue for extracting the target, which is key evidence of the holder. Namely, the three types of information sequentially become an important clue. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a stepwise multi-task learning model for holder extraction with RoBERTa and Bi-LSTM. The tasks are sentiment word extraction, target extraction, and holder extraction. The proposed model was trained and evaluated under Laptop and Restaurant datasets in SemEval 2014 through 2016. We have observed that the performance of the proposed model was improved by using stepwised features that are the output of the previous task. Furthermore, the generalization effect has been observed by making the final output format of the model a BIO tagging scheme. This can avoid overfitting to a specific domain of the review text by outputting BIO tags instead of the words.
Enhancement of Metabolite Production in High-Altitude Microalgal Strains by Optimized C/N/P Ratio
Authors: Suárez Quintana William H. , García-Rico Ramón O. , García-Martínez Janet B. , Urbina-Suarez Néstor A. , López-Barrera Germán L. , Barajas-Solano Andrés F. , Zuorro Antonio
Published: July 2022

This study evaluated the role of C/N/P in the increase in the synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in two high-mountain strains of algae (Chlorella sp. UFPS019 and Desmodesmus sp. UFPS021). Three carbon sources (sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate), and the sources of nitrogen (NaNO3) and phosphate (KH2PO4 and K2HPO4) were analyzed using a surface response (3 factors, 2 levels). In Chlorella sp. UFPS019, the optimal conditions to enhance the synthesis of carbohydrates were high sodium carbonate content (3.53 g/L), high KH2PO4 and K2HPO4 content (0.06 and 0.14 g/L, respectively), and medium-high NaNO3 (0.1875 g/L). In the case of lipids, a high concentration of sodium acetate (1.19 g/L) coupled with high KH2PO4 and K2HPO4 content (0.056 and 0.131 g/L, respectively) and a low concentration of NaNO3 (0.075 g/L) drastically induced the synthesis of lipids. In the case of Desmodesmus sp. UFPS021, the protein content was increased using high sodium acetate (2 g/L), high KH2PO4 and K2HPO4 content (0.056 and 0.131 g/L, respectively), and high NaNO3 concentration (0.25 g/L). These results demonstrate that the correct adjustment of the C/N/P ratio can enhance the capacity of high-mountain strains of algae to produce high concentrations of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
Centralized Task Allocation and Alignment Based on Constraint Table and Alignment Rules
Authors: Hwang Nam Eung , Kim Hyung Jun , Kim Jae Gwan
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we propose a centralized task allocation and an alignment technique based on constraint table and alignment rules. For task allocation, a scoring scheme has to be set. The existing time-discounted scoring scheme has two problems; if the score is calculated based on arrival time, the agent who arrives in a task point first may finish the task late, and if the score is calculated based on end-time of the task, agents who have the same score may appear because of temporal constraints. Therefore, a modified time-discounted reward scheme based on both arrival and end-time is proposed. Additionally, an accumulated distance cost scheme is proposed for minimum fuel consumption. The constraint table made by tasks that are already aligned is also considered in scoring. For centralized task alignment based on the constraint table and alignment rules, a technique based on sequential greedy algorithm is proposed. Resolving conflicts on alignment is described in detail using constraint table and alignment rules, which are composed of four basic principles. We demonstrate simulations about task allocation and alignment for multi-agent with coupled constraints. Simple and complicated cases are used to verify the scoring schemes and the proposed techniques. Additionally, a huge case is used to show computational efficiency. The results are feasibly good when the constraints are properly set.
Multirotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Configuration Optimization Approach for Development of Actuator Fault-Tolerant Structure
Authors: Debele Yisak , Shi Ha-Young , Wondosen Assefinew , Kim Jin-Hee , Kang Beom-Soo
Published: July 2022

Presently, multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are utilized in numerous applications. Their design governs the system’s controllability and operation performance by influencing the achievable forces and moments produced. However, unexpected causalities, such as actuator failure, adversely affect their controllability, which raises safety concerns about their service. On the other hand, their design flexibility allows further design optimization for various performance requirements, including actuator failure tolerance. Thus, this study proposed an optimization framework that can be employed to design a novel actuator fault-tolerant multirotor UAV configuration. The approach used an attainable moment set (AMS) to evaluate the achievable moment from a multirotor configuration; similarly, standard deviation geometries (SDG) were employed to define performance requirements. Therefore, given a UAV configuration, actuator fault situation, and SDG derived from the designed mission requirement, the suggested optimization framework maximizes the scaling factor of SDG and fits it into the AMS by adjusting the design parameters up to a sufficient margin. The framework is implemented to optimize selected parameters of the Hexacopter-type of parcel delivery multirotor UAV developed by the PNU drone, and a simulation was conducted. The result showed that the optimized configuration of the UAV achieved actuator fault tolerance and operation-performing capability in the presence of a failed actuator.
TAB Series-Resonant DC-DC Converter and Multi-Phase-Shift Based Global Optimization Modulation
Authors: Wu Fengjiang , Wang Kaixuan , Su Jianyong
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a triple-active-bridge resonant dc-dc converter with the ability of topology-level power decoupling is proposed. The power coupling between the two dc ports is eliminated by adding a resonant capacitor to the common port. The operation principle and the steady-state power characteristics are analyzed. On this basis, a multi-phase-shift-based global optimization modulation is proposed to minimize the RMS values of the transformer currents in the entire power and voltage range, thus increasing the global efficiency. An experimental prototype is built to verify the correctness and availability of the proposed power decoupling topology and optimized modulation.
Therapeutic Potential of Ajwa Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) Extract in Prevention of Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Lung Injury through the Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Signalling Molecules
Authors: Almatroodi Saleh A. , Khan Amjad Ali , Aloliqi Abdulaziz A. , Ali Syed Mansoor , Rahmani Arshad Husain
Published: July 2022

Chronic respiratory diseases are a leading cause of lung-related death worldwide. The vital factors causing lung pathogenesis include consistent exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, and occupational risks. Regarding the significant morbidity and mortality linked to lung pathogenesis, there are neither conclusive treatments nor wholly preventive strategies. In the present study, the protective mechanism of Ajwa date extract (ADE), on Benzopyrene [B(a)P]-induced lung injury in animal models was investigated using antioxidant, lipid peroxidation, anti-inflammatory activities, angiogenesis, histopathological studies, and apoptosis assays. B(a)P treatment significantly decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (Cat) (13.4 vs. 24.7 U/mg protein), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (38.5 vs. 65.7 U/mg protein), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (42.4 vs. 57.3 U/mg protein) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (49.8 vs. 98.7 nM) as compared to the treatment group (p < 0.05). B(a)P treatment led to increased expression of pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF-α (88.5 vs. 72.6 pg/mL), IFN-γ (4.86 vs. 3.56 pg/mL), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (109.6 vs. 85.4 pg/mL) and CRP (1.84 vs. 0.94 ng/mL) as compared to the treatment group (p < 0.05). The data shows a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and angiogenesis factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by B(a)P treatment (p < 0.05). However, ADE treatment showed an improvement of these factors. In addition, ADE treatment significantly ameliorated histopathological changes, collagen fiber deposition, and expression pattern of VEGF and Bax proteins. Furthermore, the flow cytometry data demonstrated that B(a)P intoxication enhanced the apoptosis ratio, which was significantly improved with ADE treatment. Finally, we may infer that Phyto-constituents of ADE have the potential to protect against B(a)P-induced lung pathogenesis. Therefore, Ajwa dates might be used to develop a possible potent alternative therapy for lung pathogenesis.
Estimation Method of Wind-Induced Fatigue of Metal Roof Claddings under Typhoon: Numerical Analysis and Experimental Comparison
Authors: Xuan Ying , Xie Zhuangning , Zhang Lele , Li Qiusheng
Published: July 2022

Equivalent load cycle sequence (ELCS) is important basic information to know that affects the reliability of the evaluation of wind-induced fatigue on metal roof claddings. In this study, an estimation method of wind-induced fatigue of metal roof claddings is proposed. Based on the measured wind pressure–time history data of the roof claddings on a full-scale low-rise building located along the coast of South China during a typhoon, a new ELCS (NELCS) that reflects typhoon and actual structure wind pressure characteristics in China’s coastal areas is obtained by using the rainflow counting method. The locations of fatigue hot spots of metal roof panels are analyzed by using the finite element analysis method, and the relationship between hot spot stress and wind pressure is obtained. The fatigue damage accumulation of metal roof claddings under the ELCS of a typhoon process is counted by the linear cumulative fatigue theory, commonly known as Miner’s rule. The fatigue damage accumulation of roof claddings with different purlin distances and design wind loads is analyzed using this method and then compared with the results from the dynamic loading test of an air chamber. Results show that the physical test findings are close to the numerical calculation results, which proves that the numerical calculation method has high accuracy and reliability. The comparison between NELCS in this study and the Australian standard low-high-low (LHL) sequence shows that the LHL loading sequence is conservative.
Chicken Swarm-Based Feature Subset Selection with Optimal Machine Learning Enabled Data Mining Approach
Authors: Hamdi Monia , Hilali-Jaghdam Inès , Khayyat Manal M. , Elnaim Bushra M. E. , Abdel-Khalek Sayed , Mansour Romany F.
Published: July 2022

Data mining (DM) involves the process of identifying patterns, correlation, and anomalies existing in massive datasets. The applicability of DM includes several areas such as education, healthcare, business, and finance. Educational Data Mining (EDM) is an interdisciplinary domain which focuses on the applicability of DM, machine learning (ML), and statistical approaches for pattern recognition in massive quantities of educational data. This type of data suffers from the curse of dimensionality problems. Thus, feature selection (FS) approaches become essential. This study designs a Feature Subset Selection with an optimal machine learning model for Educational Data Mining (FSSML-EDM). The proposed method involves three major processes. At the initial stage, the presented FSSML-EDM model uses the Chicken Swarm Optimization-based Feature Selection (CSO-FS) technique for electing feature subsets. Next, an extreme learning machine (ELM) classifier is employed for the classification of educational data. Finally, the Artificial Hummingbird (AHB) algorithm is utilized for adjusting the parameters involved in the ELM model. The performance study revealed that FSSML-EDM model achieves better results compared with other models under several dimensions.
Groundwater Detection Using the Pseudo-3D Resistivity Method: A History of Case Studies
Authors: Chen Xinjie , Guo Zhenwei , Liu Chunming , Liu Jianxin , Wu Qihong
Published: July 2022

With the rapid growth of the economy and population, the desire to use groundwater supplies is increasing. In order to detect groundwater, conducting a geophysics survey is a common way to map the subsurface. This method can describe the subsurface’s physical properties. For example, the direct current (DC) resistivity method provides a resistivity map of the subsurface, in which the groundwater is normally located in low resistivity anomaly zones. However, the DC method needs to overcome the challenges of the urban environment, with its infrastructure and background noise. In this paper, we propose a pseudo-3D resistivity surveying method to solve these problems, and it is applied to situations of groundwater detection within the city environment, dam leakage, and drinking water. From the pseudo-3D resistivity surveying, we detected the low-resistivity anomaly in the area, which is interpreted as groundwater through borehole verification.
Biomechanics of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implant
Authors: Nappi Francesco , Avtaar Singh Sanjeet Singh , Nappi Pierluigi , Fiore Antonio
Published: July 2022

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has grown exponentially within the cardiology and cardiac surgical spheres. It has now become a routine approach for treating aortic stenosis. Several concerns have been raised about TAVI in comparison to conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The primary concerns regard the longevity of the valves. Several factors have been identified which may predict poor outcomes following TAVI. To this end, the lesser-used finite element analysis (FEA) was used to quantify the properties of calcifications which affect TAVI valves. This method can also be used in conjunction with other integrated software to ascertain the functionality of these valves. Other imaging modalities such as multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) are now widely available, which can accurately size aortic valve annuli. This may help reduce the incidence of paravalvular leaks and regurgitation which may necessitate further intervention. Structural valve degeneration (SVD) remains a key factor, with varying results from current studies. The true incidence of SVD in TAVI compared to SAVR remains unclear due to the lack of long-term data. It is now widely accepted that both are part of the armamentarium and are not mutually exclusive. Decision making in terms of appropriate interventions should be undertaken via shared decision making involving heart teams.
The Older the Better: Infanticide Is Age-Related for Both Victims and Perpetrators in Captive Long-Tailed Macaques
Authors: Gielen Karlijn , Louwerse Annet L. , Sterck Elisabeth H. M.
Published: July 2022

In wild primates, infanticide is a risk that is especially prevalent when a new male takes over the alpha position. Insight into risk factors related to infanticide may decrease the incidence of infanticide in captivity during male introductions. We investigated several risk factors of infanticide derived from hypotheses explaining infanticide in the wild and tested this in captive long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) using demographic data spanning a 25.5-year period. Factors that are related to infanticide in the wild explained a large proportion, but not all incidences, of infanticide in captivity. Consistent with the wild data, infants young enough to decrease the interbirth interval (<215 days) were at risk of being killed. In contrast to studies from the wild, infanticidal males were more than 2.5 years younger than non-infanticidal males. This indicates that captive settings can lead to new risks since relatively young males may gain the alpha position, promoting infanticide. Therefore, we propose the adolescent male risk hypothesis as a captive risk factor in which subadult males pose a risk of infanticide. In conclusion, the ages of both males and infants are related to infanticide in captivity and have to be taken into account during male introductions.
Paper-Based Interleukin-6 Test Strip for Early Detection of Wound Infection
Authors: Pan Shin-Chen , Wu Yu-Feng , Lin Yu-Chen , Lin Sheng-Wen , Cheng Chao-Min
Published: July 2022

The early stage of wound infection is always non-specific. Prompt intervention may help to prevent the wound from worsening. We developed a new protocol, based on previous research, that employs a paper-based IL-6 test strip used in combination with a spectrum-based optical reader to detect IL-6 in normal tissue (n = 19), acute wounds (n = 31), and chronic wounds (n = 32). Our data indicated the presence of significantly higher levels of IL-6 in acute wound tissues, but no significant difference in serum CRP. Receiver operating characteristics were used to determine clinical sensitivity and specificity of tissue IL-6 and systemic CRP. The area under the curve values were 0.87 and 0.63, respectively. The cut-off value of 30 pg/mL for IL-6 provided good sensitivity (75.0%) and superior specificity (88.9%). We found a high correlation between the IL-6 test strip and conventional ELISA results (R2 = 0.85, p < 0.001), and good agreement was also observed according to Bland-Altman analysis. We showed a promising role of tissue IL-6 to help early diagnosis of wound infection when clinical symptoms were non-specific. The advantages of this wound detection protocol included minimal invasiveness, small sample requirements, speed, sample preparation ease, and user-friendliness. This methodology could help care providers quickly clarify wound infection status and implement timely, optimal management.
Inflammation of the Human Dental Pulp Induces Phosphorylation of eNOS at Thr495 in Blood Vessels
Authors: Erdek Özlem , Bloch Wilhelm , Rink-Notzon Svenja , Roggendorf Hubert C. , Uzun Senem , Meul Britta , Koch Manuel , Neugebauer Jörg , Deschner James , Korkmaz Yüksel
Published: July 2022

The activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells increased with the phosphorylation of the enzyme at Ser1177 and decreased at Thr495. The regulation of the phosphorylation sites of eNOS at Ser1177 and Thr495 in blood vessels of the healthy and inflamed human dental pulp is unknown. To investigate this, healthy and carious human third molars were immersion-fixed and decalcified. The localization of eNOS, Ser1177, and Thr495 in healthy and inflamed blood vessels was examined in consecutive cryo-sections using quantitative immunohistochemical methods. We found that the staining intensity of Ser1177 in healthy blood vessels decreased in inflamed blood vessels, whereas the weak staining intensity of Thr495 in healthy blood vessels strongly increased in inflamed blood vessels. In blood vessels of the healthy pulp, eNOS is active with phosphorylation of the enzyme at Ser1177. The phosphorylation of eNOS at Thr495 in inflamed blood vessels leads to a decrease in eNOS activity, contributing to eNOS uncoupling and giving evidence for a decrease in NO and an increase in O2− production. Since the formation of the tertiary dentin matrix depends on intact pulp circulation, eNOS uncoupling and phosphorylation of eNOS at Thr495 in the inflamed pulp blood vessels should be considered during caries therapy.
PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway: A Therapeutic Target in CD30+ Large Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Xie Wei , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Li Shaoying , Tang Guilin , Fan Guang , Xu Jie
Published: July 2022

The programmed death-ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, reside on tumor cells and can bind with programmed death-1 protein (PD-1) on T-cells, resulting in tumor immune escape. PD-1 ligands are highly expressed in some CD30+ large cell lymphomas, including classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL), primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (EBV+ DLBCL), and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The genetic alteration of the chromosome 9p24.1 locus, the location of PD-L1, PD-L2, and JAK2 are the main mechanisms leading to PD-L1 and PD-L2 overexpression and are frequently observed in these CD30+ large cell lymphomas. The JAK/STAT pathway is also commonly constitutively activated in these lymphomas, further contributing to the upregulated expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2. Other mechanisms underlying the overexpression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 in some cases include EBV infection and the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. These cellular and molecular mechanisms provide a scientific rationale for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in treating patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease and, possibly, in newly diagnosed patients. Given the high efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in patients with R/R CHL and PMBL, these agents have become a standard treatment in these patient subgroups. Preliminary studies of PD-1 inhibitors in patients with R/R EBV+ DLBCL and R/R ALCL have also shown promising results. Future directions for these patients will likely include PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in combination with other therapeutic agents, such as brentuximab or traditional chemotherapy regimens.
Using Constrained Square-Root Cubature Kalman Filter for Quantifying the Severity of Epileptic Activities in Mice
Authors: Huang Chih-Hsu , Wang Peng-Hsiang , Ju Ming-Shaung , Lin Chou-Ching K.
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Quantification of severity of epileptic activities, especially during electrical stimulation, is an unmet need for seizure control and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a parameter ratio derived from constrained square-root cubature Kalman filter (CSCKF) was formulated to quantify the excitability of local neural network and compared with three commonly used indicators, namely, band power, Teager energy operator, and sample entropy, to objectively determine their effectiveness in quantifying the severity of epileptiform discharges in mice. (2) Methods: A set of one normal and four types of epileptic EEGs was generated by a mathematical model. EEG data of epileptiform discharges during two types of electrical stimulation were recorded in 20 mice. Then, EEG segments of 5 s in length before, during and after the real and sham stimulation were collected. Both simulated and experimental data were used to compare the consistency and differences among the performance indicators. (3) Results: For the experimental data, the results of the four indicators were inconsistent during both types of electrical stimulation, although there was a trend that seizure severity changed with the indicators. For the simulated data, when the simulated EEG segments were used, the results of all four indicators were similar; however, this trend did not match the trend of excitability of the model network. In the model output which retained the DC component, except for the CSCKF parameter ratio, the results of the other three indicators were almost identical to those using the simulated EEG. For CSCKF, the parameter ratio faithfully reflected the excitability of the neural network. (4) Conclusion: For common EEG, CSCKF did not outperform other commonly used performance indicators. However, for EEG with a preserved DC component, CSCKF had the potential to quantify the excitability of the neural network and the associated severity of epileptiform discharges.
Differential Distribution and Activity Profile of Acylpeptide Hydrolase in the Rat Seminiferous Epithelium
Authors: Covarrubias Alejandra A. , De la Fuente-Ortega Erwin , Rossi Gabriela , Cocca Ennio , Rossi Mosè , Palmieri Gianna , Pancetti Floria C.
Published: July 2022

Acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH) is a serine protease involved in amino acid recycling from acylated peptides (exopeptidase activity) and degradation of oxidized proteins (endoproteinase activity). This enzyme is inhibited by dichlorvos (DDVP), an organophosphate compound used as an insecticide. The role of APEH in spermatogenesis has not been established; therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the distribution and activity profile of APEH during this process. For this purpose, cryosections of male reproductive tissues (testis and epididymis) and isolated cells (Sertoli cells, germ cells, and spermatozoa) were obtained from adult rats in order to analyze the intracellular localization of APEH by indirect immunofluorescence. In addition, the catalytic activity profiles of APEH in the different male reproductive tissues and isolated cells were quantified. Our results show that APEH is homogeneously distributed in Sertoli cells and early germ cells (spermatocytes and round spermatids), but this pattern changes during spermiogenesis. Specifically, in elongated spermatids and spermatozoa, APEH was localized in the acrosome and the principal piece. The exopeptidase activity was higher in the germ cell pool, compared to sperm and Sertoli cells, while the endoproteinase activity in epididymal homogenates was higher compared to testis homogenates at 24 h of incubation. In isolated cells, this activity was increased in Sertoli and germ cell pools, compared to spermatozoa. Taken together, these results indicate that APEH is differentially distributed in the testicular epithelium and undergoes re-localization during spermiogenesis. A possible role of APEH as a component of a protection system against oxidative stress and during sperm capacitation is discussed.
Mechanisms of Synaptic Vesicle Exo- and Endocytosis
Authors: Mochida Sumiko
Published: July 2022

Within 1 millisecond of action potential arrival at presynaptic terminals voltage–gated Ca2+ channels open. The Ca2+ channels are linked to synaptic vesicles which are tethered by active zone proteins. Ca2+ entrance into the active zone triggers: (1) the fusion of the vesicle and exocytosis, (2) the replenishment of the active zone with vesicles for incoming exocytosis, and (3) various types of endocytosis for vesicle reuse, dependent on the pattern of firing. These time-dependent vesicle dynamics are controlled by presynaptic Ca2+ sensor proteins, regulating active zone scaffold proteins, fusion machinery proteins, motor proteins, endocytic proteins, several enzymes, and even Ca2+ channels, following the decay of Ca2+ concentration after the action potential. Here, I summarize the Ca2+-dependent protein controls of synchronous and asynchronous vesicle release, rapid replenishment of the active zone, endocytosis, and short-term plasticity within 100 msec after the action potential. Furthermore, I discuss the contribution of active zone proteins to presynaptic plasticity and to homeostatic readjustment during and after intense activity, in addition to activity-dependent endocytosis.
A Fast-Response AIE-Active Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Carboxylesterase
Authors: Xia Mengting , Li Chunbin , Liu Lingxiu , He Yumao , Li Yongdong , Jiang Guoyu , Wang Jianguo
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a high mortality rate worldwide. The therapeutic outcomes can be significantly improved if diagnosis and treatment are initiated earlier in the disease process. Recently, the carboxylesterase (CaE) activity/level in human plasma was reported to be a novel serological biomarker candidate for HCC. In this article, we fabricated a new fluorescent probe with AIE characteristics for the rapid detection of CaE with a more reliable ratiometric response mode. The TCFISE probe showed high sensitivity (LOD: 93.0 μU/mL) and selectivity toward CaE. Furthermore, the good pH stability, superior resistance against photobleaching, and low cytotoxicity highlight the high potential of the TCFISE probe for application in the monitoring of CaE activity in complex biological samples and in live cells, tissues, and animals.
Yoga and Qigong for Health: Two Sides of the Same Coin?
Authors: Boaventura Paula , Jaconiano Sónia , Ribeiro Filipa
Published: July 2022

Yoga and qigong are ancient mind–body practices used in the East for thousands of years to promote inner peace and mental clarity. Both share breathing techniques and slow movements and are being used as alternative/complementary approaches to the management of disease, especially chronic problems with no effective conventional treatments. However, information comparing the health benefits of both approaches is scarce, and the choice between yoga or qigong practice may only depend on patients’ preferences or practice availability. The aim of the present paper was to overview yoga and qigong use for health benefits under different pathological conditions. Yoga and qigong seem to have similar effects, which might be expected, since both are similar mind–body approaches with the same concept of vital life-force energy and the practice of meditative movements. Problematic research issues within the literature on yoga and qigong are the small sample sizes, use of different styles, significant variance in practice duration and frequency, short duration of intervention effects, and the usage of a non-active control group, thus emphasizing the need for further high-quality randomized trials. Studies comparing yoga and qigong are warranted in order to assess differences/similarities between the two approaches for health benefits.
Tumour Burden Reporting in Phase III Clinical Trials of Metastatic Lung, Breast, and Colorectal Cancers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santorsola Mariachiara , Di Lauro Vincenzo , Nasti Guglielmo , Caraglia Michele , Capuozzo Maurizio , Perri Francesco , Cascella Marco , Misso Gabriella , Ottaiano Alessandro
Published: July 2022

Background: Randomised phase III clinical trials represent a methodological milestone to select effective drugs against metastatic cancers. In this context, and particularly in the efficacy assessment of biologic drugs, the initial metastatic tumour burden is a strong prognostic factor. Methods: A systematic literature review of randomised, phase III, first-line, clinical trials in metastatic breast, colorectal, and lung cancers, published from 2016 to 2021, was performed. Three groups of variables were collected: identity-, method- (including tumour burden assessment) and outcome-related. Results: Seventy trials were selected. A large portion of studies (41.4%) focused on the effects of biologic agents (signal inhibitors and immuno-therapies). A definition of low-burden disease based predominantly on the number of involved organs was reported in 28.6% of studies. No explicit reference to oligo-metastatic disease was found either in inclusion/exclusion criteria or in final descriptive data analyses. Disease extent, heterogeneously defined, was a stratification factor for randomisation in only 25.7% of studies. In two studies, a significant imbalance between arms in patients with low-burden disease was revealed. Conclusions: Attention to initial tumour burden in designing future clinical trials (including the harmonisation of definitions and the reporting of eventual oligo-metastatic disease, complete estimates of tumour volume, and its consideration as a stratification factor) should be increased.
Regulation and Function of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 in Cancer Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Li Shun , Pritchard David Mark , Yu Lu-Gang
Published: July 2022

Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) is a member of the Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family of endopeptidases. MMP-13 is produced in low amounts and is well-regulated during normal physiological conditions. Its expression and secretion are, however, increased in various cancers, where it plays multiple roles in tumour progression and metastasis. As an interstitial collagenase, MMP-13 can proteolytically cleave not only collagens I, II and III, but also a range of extracellular matrix proteins (ECMs). Its action causes ECM remodelling and often leads to the release of various sequestered growth and angiogenetic factors that promote tumour cell growth, invasion and angiogenesis. This review summarizes our current understanding of the regulation of MMP-13 expression and secretion and discusses the actions of MMP-13 in cancer progression and metastasis.
Possible Metastatic Stage-Dependent ILC2 Activation Induces Differential Functions of MDSCs through IL-13/IL-13Rα1 Signaling during the Progression of Breast Cancer Lung Metastasis
Authors: Ito Atsushi , Akama Yuichi , Satoh-Takayama Naoko , Saito Kanako , Kato Takuma , Kawamoto Eiji , Gaowa Arong , Park Eun Jeong , Takao Motoshi , Shimaoka Motomu
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and lung metastasis is one of the most frequent distant metastases. When breast cancer metastasizes to the lung, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are thought to promote tumor growth via the activation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which are known to negatively regulate anticancer immune responses. However, it remains to be elucidated exactly how this ILC2–MDSC interaction is involved in tumor growth during metastases formation. Using a 4T1/LM4 breast cancer mouse model, we found that ILC2s were activated in both the micro- and macrometastatic regions, suggesting sustained activation throughout the metastatic cascades via IL-33/ST2 signaling. Consistent with IL-13 secretion from activated ILC2s, the frequencies of polymorphonuclear (PMN)- and monocytic (M)-MDSCs were also significantly elevated during the progression from micro- to macrometastatic cancer. However, the effects of ILC2-induced MDSC functionality on the microenvironment differed in a metastatic-stage-specific manner. Our findings indicate that ILC2s may induce the immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs during the later stages of metastasis. Concomitantly, ILC2 may instigate extracellular matrix remodeling by PMN-MDSC activation during the early stages of metastasis. These metastatic-stage-specific changes may contribute to metastatic tumor growth in the microenvironment of breast cancer lung metastasis.
The Route of the Malignant Plasma Cell in Its Survival Niche: Exploring “Multiple Myelomas”
Authors: Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Da Vià Matteo Claudio , Bolli Niccolò , Steinbrunn Torsten
Published: July 2022

Growing evidence points to multiple myeloma (MM) and its stromal microenvironment using several mechanisms to subvert effective immune and anti-tumor responses. Recent advances have uncovered the tumor-stromal cell influence in regulating the immune-microenvironment and have envisioned targeting these suppressive pathways to improve therapeutic outcomes. Nevertheless, some subgroups of patients include those with particularly unfavorable prognoses. Biological stratification can be used to categorize patient-, disease- or therapy-related factors, or alternatively, these biological determinants can be included in a dynamic model that customizes a given treatment to a specific patient. Genetic heterogeneity and current knowledge enforce a systematic and comprehensive bench-to-bedside approach. Given the increasing role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in better characterizing the pathogenesis of solid and hematological malignancies, disease relapse, and drug resistance, identifying and describing CSCs is of paramount importance in the management of MM. Even though the function of CSCs is well-known in other cancer types, their role in MM remains elusive. With this review, we aim to provide an update on MM homing and resilience in the bone marrow micro milieu. These data are particularly interesting for clinicians facing unmet medical needs while designing novel treatment approaches for MM.