bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging Insights Into Abdominal Wall Function
Authors: Read John W. , Ibrahim Nabeel , Jacombs Anita S. W. , Elstner Kristen E. , Saunders Jeni , Rodriguez-Acevedo Omar
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The successful repair of any complex ventral hernia requires a thorough understanding of the underlying anatomical defect and its functional context. We describe an improved “functional” approach to CT imaging of the abdominal wall that can facilitate this understanding and assist surgical planning.

Methods

This invited article reports the observational experience gained from the functional abdominal wall CT examinations of 88 patients who underwent complex ventral hernia repair using pre-operative Botulinum toxin A (BTA) infiltration of the lateral oblique abdominal muscles as well as a further eight patients with diastasis rectus abdominis who were examined to exclude ventral hernia.

Results

The use of a functional CT protocol which supplements resting images with additional “crunching” images (acquired with the abdominal wall muscles all strongly contracted) can significantly improve the demonstration of ventral hernia defects. Crunching acquisitions can also help differentiate true hernias from dysfunctional bulges, identify muscle denervation or atrophic changes, reveal otherwise occult hernias that may be missed on resting or Valsalva images alone, and assist the pre-operative assessment of BTA effect.

Conclusion

A more functional approach to pre-operative CT imaging of the abdominal wall can significantly improve the understanding of complex ventral hernia defects and help formulate effective surgical plans that achieve low recurrence rates and good functional outcomes.
Effect of Dexmedetomidine-Assisted Intravenous Anesthesia on Gastrointestinal Motility in Colon Cancer Patients After Open Colectomy
Authors: Ou Chaopeng , Kang Shiyang , Xue Ruifeng , Lai Jielan , Zhang Yingjun
Published: February 2022

Background

To explore the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex)-assisted intravenous anesthesia on gastrointestinal motility in patients with colon cancer (CC) after open colectomy.

Methods

A total of 102 patients with CC, undergoing open colectomy in our hospital from January 2018 to January 2020, were selected and randomly divided into an observation group (n = 51) and a control group (n = 51). The patients in the control group received a routine combination of intravenous and inhalation anesthesia (CIIA), while those in the observation group received a Dex-assisted CIIA. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), the diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) were compared at different time points between the two groups. In addition, the intraoperative general conditions, the dosage of anesthetics, and the recovery of gastrointestinal functions were also compared between the two groups. Moreover, before operation and at 24 h after operation, the levels of serum gastrin (GAS) and plasma motilin (MTL) were detected by radioimmunoassay, and the level of plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The incidence of gastrointestinal complications was recorded in both groups.

Results

At T1-T3, the HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP levels were lower in both groups than those at T0. In addition, they were also lower in the observation group than those in the control group, showing significant differences (p < 0.05). The dosage of propofol and remifentanil in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05). In the observation group, the postoperative first exhaust time, first defecation time, first ambulation time, and first feeding time were all earlier than those in the control group with significant differences (p < 0.05). After the operation, the observation group had higher levels of GAS and MTL but a lower level of CCK than the control group, and the differences were significant (p < 0.05). The incidence rate of gastrointestinal complications in the observation group (7.04%) was lower than that in the control group (19.61%), and there was a significant difference (χ2 = 4.346, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Dex-assisted intravenous anesthesia can facilitate the recovery of gastrointestinal motility, can regulate the levels of gastrointestinal hormones, and can stabilize the levels of hemodynamic indexes in patients with CC after open colectomy.
A 2-DOF Impact Actuator for Haptic Application
Authors: Kim Sangyoon , Lee Woochan , Park Jaeyoung
Published: February 2022

The demand for realistic haptic feedback actuators has increased as mobile devices have increased in popularity. However, most current haptic actuators provide limited 1-DOF tactile sensations, such as vibrations. This paper presents a 2-DOF haptic impact actuator that can provide planar directional (e.g., x and y directional) and magnitude tactile cues to a user. We built an impact actuator that was designed to be of such a size that a user can grasp it with one hand. Multiple electromagnets of the actuator drive a permanent magnet to hit the actuator housing, creating an impact. For the control of the impact direction, we assumed the direction of a magnetic field vector at the centre of the actuator would follow that of a reference vector formed by voltage heading into the electromagnet array. The results of magnetic field measurements support our assumption by showing that the trend of the magnetic field vector coincided with that of the reference voltage vector. Furthermore, the measurement of the impact acceleration showed the trend that the impact direction follows the reference voltage vector.
Modeling Aircraft Departure at a Runway Using a Time-Varying Fluid Queue
Authors: Itoh Eri , Mitici Mihaela , Schultz Michael
Published: February 2022

Reducing the length of departure queues at runway entry points is one of the most important requirements for reducing aircraft traffic congestion and fuel consumption at airports. This study designs an aircraft departure model at a runway using a time-varying fluid queue. The proposed model enables us to determine the aircraft waiting time in the departure queue and to evaluate effective control approaches for assigning suitable holds at gates rather than runway entry points. As a case study, this study modeled the departure queue at runway 05 of Tokyo International Airport for an entire day of operations. Using actual traffic data of departures at the airport, the model estimates that aircraft spend a total of 2.5 h departure waiting time in a day at runway 05. Considering the stochastic nature of actual departure traffic, the relevance of the proposed model is discussed using validation criteria. The model estimation shows a reasonable, expected order of magnitude compared with the departure queue recorded in the actual traffic data. Furthermore, ecological and economic benefits are quantitatively evaluated assuming a reduction in the departure queue length. Our results show that about one kiloton of fuel oil per year is wasted due to aircraft waiting to depart from a single departure runway.
Investigation of Merge Assist Policies to Improve Safety of Drone Traffic in a Constrained Urban Airspace
Authors: Doole Malik , Ellerbroek Joost , Hoekstra Jacco M.
Published: February 2022

Package delivery via autonomous drones is often presumed to hold commercial and societal value when applied to urban environments. However, to realise the benefits, the challenge of safely managing high traffic densities of drones in heavily constrained urban spaces needs to be addressed. This paper applies the principles of traffic segmentation and alignment to a constrained airspace in efforts to mitigate the probability of conflict. The study proposes an en-route airspace concept in which drone flights are directly guided along a one-way street network. This one-way airspace concept uses heading-altitude rules to vertically segment cruising traffic as well as transitioning flights with respect to their travel direction. However, transition flights trigger a substantial number of merging conflicts, thus negating a large part of the benefits gained from airspace structuring. In this paper, we aim to reduce the occurrence of merging conflicts and intrusions by using a delay-based and speed-based merge-assist strategy, both well-established methods from road traffic research. We apply these merge assistance strategies to the one-way airspace design and perform simulations for three traffic densities for the experiment area of Manhattan, New York. The results indicate, at most, a 9–16% decrease in total number of intrusions with the use of merge assistance. By investigating mesoscopic features of the urban street network, the data suggest that the relatively low efficacy of the merge strategies is mainly caused by insufficient space for safe manoeuvrability and the inability for the strategies to fully respond and thus resolve conflicts on short-distance streets.
Field Investigation of the Static Friction Characteristics of High-Yielding Rice during Harvest
Authors: Ma Zheng , Zhu Yongle , Chen Shuren , Traore Souleymane Nfamoussa , Li Yaoming , Xu Lizhang , Shi Maolin , Zhang Qian
Published: February 2022

Background: Following the popularization of high-yielding rice in China, fast and efficient mechanized harvesting proved challenging. In addition, the physical characteristics of rice grains and stems are substantially affected during harvest by the field environment and harvest time. However, the combine harvester driver is focused on maximizing the outputs and does not consider the adverse effects of these factors during the rice harvest. Methods: We investigated the effects of the harvest time, spatial position, and temperature on the static friction coefficient of rice grains and stems of high-yielding rice using a field experiment. Results: The result difference in the static friction coefficient between the parallel and perpendicular placements of the rice stem on the steel plate was 9%, indicating that the contact configuration had a significant impact. The region, harvest time, and temperature significantly affected the static friction characteristics of the rice grains and stems. The most significant differences were observed in the X-direction. Conclusions: The optimum harvest time was 10:11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and the optimum temperature was above 16.5 °C. A quantitative analysis of the effects of the harvest time and temperature on the static friction characteristics of rice provides reliable data for machine design optimization and standardization of harvests operations.
N2O Emission and Nitrification/Denitrification Bacterial Communities in Upland Black Soil under Combined Effects of Early and Immediate Moisture
Authors: Wang Lei , Hao Da-Cheng , Fan Sisi , Xie Hongtu , Bao Xuelian , Jia Zhongjun , Wang Lianfeng
Published: February 2022

Soil moisture is the major factor influencing microbial properties and nitrous oxide (N2O) production. Agricultural soils can be probed under wetting, wet/dry alternating, and constant moisture conditions to evaluate the combined effects of early (previous) and immediate (current) moisture on N2O emission and nitrification/denitrification. In view of the water history of upland black soil, five moisture regimes comprising different antecedent and present water holding capacity (WHC) levels were set up in the microcosm study. The 20% WHC was adopted as the initial legacy moisture, while three immediate water statuses include constant WHC, dry-wet cycle, and incremental moisture. Quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were used to assess the impact of current and previous moisture on the bacterial community composition and abundance of nitrification/denitrification genes (amoA, nirS, and nosZ); the soil physicochemical properties, and N2O emission were monitored. The N2O production and nitrifying-denitrifying microbial communities were influenced by the antecedent moisture and pattern of the dry-wet cycle. The nitrifying-denitrifying microbial communities, especially members of β-/γ-Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Gemmatimonadetes, in black soil were important in explaining the variation of N2O production. The key taxonomic groups in response to the moisture alteration, e.g., Acidobacteria, Sphingobacteriia, Deltaproteobacteria, Methylobacterium, Gemmatimonas and Pseudarthrobacter, etc., were also highlighted. The soil nitrate, ammonium nitrogen, N2O emission, nitrification/denitrification and mineralization were profoundly impacted by water regimes and showed statistically significant correlation with specific bacterial genera; the nitrite/nitrate reduction to ammonium could be boosted by high moisture. Both nitrifier denitrification and heterotrophic denitrification could be enhanced substantially when the black soil moisture was increased to above 60% WHC. These findings help evaluate the effects of the water mode on the N2O emission from black soil, as well as the associated impacts on both soil fertility and the global environment.
A Decision Support Tool for Buying Farm Tractors, Based on Predictive Analytics
Authors: Ruiz-Garcia Luis , Sanchez-Guerrero Patricia
Published: February 2022

Data science can help farmers when making a decision about tractor purchase. Buying a tractor represents a big investment for farmers, and price is one of their main concerns. This study presents the development of a web-based decision support tool (DST) that calculate the price of new and second-hand tractors, for the purpose of providing the decision-maker some information that will lead him to the final decision. The tool makes use of different algorithms based on predictive analytics methodologies. The dataset has information about 227 different observations of new tractors and 1003 of second-hand tractors, from different European countries. During the study, the prices of new and used tractor were modeled, testing parametric and non-parametric regression models with different segmentations and predictor variables. Non parametric models includes regression trees, support vector machines, ensembles of regression trees, Gaussian process, and neural networks. In both cases, for predicting the prices of new and second-hand tractors, adjusted R2 higher than 0.99 were achieved. The models developed were implemented in the DST which is fully operative, available in Internet, and free to use.
Applying Biostimulants to Combat Water Deficit in Crop Plants: Research and Debate
Authors: Jiménez-Arias David , Hernándiz Alba E. , Morales-Sierra Sarai , García-García Ana L. , García-Machado Francisco J. , Luis Juan C. , Borges Andrés A.
Published: February 2022

Climate change has increased the severity of drought episodes by further reducing precipitation in vulnerable zones. Drought induces a substantial decrease in agricultural water, reducing crop yields. Consequently, addressing water consumption can increase farmers’ profits. This work describes lab-to-field research in Zea mays, using two biostimulants: glycine betaine (GB) and L-pyroglutamic acid (PG). The biostimulant optimal dosages were selected using a hydroponic system with 20% polyethylene glycol and nursery experiments under water-deficit irrigation. The established dosages were evaluated in field trials in which irrigation was reduced by 20%. Laboratory biostimulant optimisation showed in stressed treated seedlings (GB 0.1 mM; PG 1 mM) an increased dry weight, relative growth rate and water use efficiency, reducing seedling growth loss between 65 and 85%, respectively. Field trials using a GB-optimised dosage showed an increase in plants’ growth, grain yield and flour Ca content. In addition, grain flour carbohydrate content and protein remained similar to control well-watered plants. Finally, the economic aspects of biostimulant treatments, water consumption, water sources (ground vs. desalinated) and grain biomass were addressed. Overall, GB treatment demonstrated to be a valuable tool to reduce water consumption and improve farmers’ earnings.
Leptospira in Slaughtered Fattening Pigs in Southern Italy: Serological Survey and Molecular Typing
Authors: Macaluso Giusi , Torina Alessandra , Blanda Valeria , Guercio Annalisa , Lastra Antonio , Giacchino Ilenia , D’Agostino Rosalia , Sciacca Carmela , D’Incau Mario , Bertasio Cristina , Grippi Francesca
Published: February 2022

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonosis of worldwide significance; a wide spectrum of wild and domestic animal species act as natural or accidental hosts. Swine can act as maintenance or accidental hosts of pathogenic Leptospira spp. This study aimed at investigation of Leptospira spp. prevalence and diversity in slaughtered pigs in southern Italy (Sicily). In total, 55 samples of kidneys and blood were collected. Microscopic agglutination test and real-time PCR were performed to detect pathogenic and intermediately pathogenic Leptospira. Partial rpoB gene sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were performed to characterize Leptospira species. The analysis showed a seropositivity rate of 16.4%, with Australis representing the most frequently identified serogroup (63.64%); Pomona and Sejroe were detected with a prevalence of 27.27% and 9.09%, respectively. Pathogenic Leptospiral DNA was detected in 2 kidney samples (3.64%). Leptospira were identified through MLST as L. borgpetersenii serovar Tarassovi (serogroup Tarassovi). Obtained data confirmed the presence of Leptospira infection among pigs in southern Italy, suggesting that management of these animals may be considered an occupational risk for humans.
Antibiotic Prescribing in Dutch Daytime and Out-of-Hours General Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Database Study
Authors: Hek Karin , Ramerman Lotte , Weesie Yvette M. , Lambooij Anke C. , Lambert Maarten , Heins Marianne J. , Hendriksen Janneke M. T. , Verheij Robert A. , Cals Jochen W. L. , van Dijk Liset
Published: February 2022

COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in major changes in healthcare, including the prescribing of antibiotics. We aimed to monitor antibiotic prescribing trends during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dutch general practice, both during daytime and out-of-hours (OOH). Routine care data were used from 379 daytime general practices (DGP) and 28 OOH-services over the period 2019–2021. Per week, we analyzed prescription rates per 100,000 inhabitants, overall, for respiratory and urinary tract infections (RTIs and UTIs) specifically and within age categories. We assessed changes in antibiotic prescribing during different phases of the pandemic using interrupted time series analyses. Both at DGPs and OOH-services significantly fewer antibiotics were prescribed during the COVID-19 pandemic after government measures became effective. Furthermore, the number of contacts decreased in both settings. When restrictions were revoked in 2021 prescription rates increased both at DGP and OOH-services, returning to pre-pandemic levels at OOH-services, but not in DGP. Changes in antibiotic prescribing rates were prominent for RTIs and among children up to 11 years old, but not for UTIs. To conclude, while antibiotic prescribing decreased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic both in daytime and out-of-hours, the pandemic does not seem to have a lasting effect on antibiotic prescribing.
Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI)—Results of One-Stage Revision with Antibiotic-Impregnated Cancellous Allograft Bone—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dersch Gregor , Winkler Heinz
Published: February 2022

Controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), considering control of infection, functional results as well as quality of life. Difficulties in treatment derive from the formation of biofilms within a few days after infection. Biofilms are tolerant to systemically applied antibiotics, requiring extreme concentrations for a prolonged period. Minimum biofilm eradicating concentrations (MBEC) are only feasible by the local application of antibiotics. One established approach is the use of allograft bone as a carrier, granting a sustained release of antibiotics in very high concentrations after appropriate impregnation. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of reinfection after a one-stage revision of infected hip or knee prostheses, using antibiotic-impregnated allograft bone as the carrier and avoiding cement. Between 1 January 2004 and 31 January 2018, 87 patients with PJI, according to MSIS, underwent a one-stage revision with antibiotic-impregnated cancellous allograft bone. An amount of 17 patients had insufficient follow-ups. There were 70 remaining patients (34 male, 36 female) with a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (range 2–15.6) and with a mean age of 68.2 years (range 31.5–86.9). An amount of 38 hips and 11 knees were implanted without any cement; and 21 knees were implanted with moderate cementing at the articular surface with stems always being uncemented. Within 2 years after surgery, 6 out of 70 patients (8.6%, CI 2–15.1) showed reinfection and after more than 2 years, an additional 6 patients showed late-onset infection. Within 2 years after surgery, 11 out of 70 patients (15.7%, CI 7.2–24.2) had an implant failure for any reason (including infection) and after more than 2 years, an additional 7 patients had an implant failure. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis for all 87 patients, the estimated survival for reinfection was 93.9% (CI 88.8–99.1) at 1 year, 89.9% (CI 83.2–96.6) at 2 years and 81.5% (CI 72.1–90.9) at 5 years. The estimated survival for implant failure for any reason was 90.4% (CI 84.1–96.7) at 1 year, 80.9% (CI 72.2–89.7) at 2 years and 71.1% (CI 60.3–81.8) at 5 years. One-stage revision with antibiotic-impregnated cancellous allograft bone grants comparable results regarding infection control as with multiple stages, while shortening rehabilitation, improving quality of life for the patients and reducing costs for the health care system.
An 18-Year Dataset on the Clinical Incidence and MICs to Antibiotics of Achromobacter spp. (Labeled Biochemically or by MAL-DI-TOF MS as A. xylosoxidans), Largely in Patient Groups Other than Those with CF
Authors: Neidhöfer Claudio , Berens Christina , Parčina Marijo
Published: February 2022

Achromobacter spp. are intrinsically multidrug-resistant environmental microorganisms which are known to cause opportunistic, nosocomial, and sometimes chronic infections. The existing literature yields scarcely any larger datasets, especially with regard to the incidence in patient groups other than those with cystic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to fill this gap. We present a retrospective analysis of 314 clinical and 130 screening isolates detected in our diagnostic unit between 2004 and 2021, combined with patients’ demographic and clinical information (ward type and length of hospitalization), and the results of routine diagnostic antibiotic MIC determination. We found the apparent increase in prevalence in our diagnostic unit, in which cystic fibrosis patients are an underrepresented group, in large part to be attributable to an overall increase in the number of samples and, more importantly, changes in the diagnostic setting, such as the introduction of rigorous screening for Gram-negative multidrug-resistant pathogens. We found these Achromobacter spp. to be most commonly detected in urine, stool, wounds and airway samples, and found the resistance rates to vary strongly between different sample types. Intestinal carriage is frequently not investigated, and its frequency is likely underestimated. Isolates resistant to meropenem can hardly be treated.
Characterization of SOD and GPX Gene Families in the Soybeans in Response to Drought and Salinity Stresses
Authors: Aleem Muqadas , Aleem Saba , Sharif Iram , Wu Zhiyi , Aleem Maida , Tahir Ammara , Atif Rana , Cheema Hafiza , Shakeel Amir , Lei Sun , Yu Deyue , Wang Hui , Kaushik Prashant , Alyemeni Mohammed , Bhat Javaid , Ahmad Parvaiz
Published: February 2022

Plant stresses causing accumulation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) are scavenged by effective antioxidant defense systems. Therefore, the present study performed genome-wide identification of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) gene families in cultivated and wild soybeans, and 11 other legume species. We identified a total of 101 and 95 genes of SOD and GPX, respectively, across thirteen legume species. The highest numbers of SODs and GPXs were identified in cultivated (Glycine max) and wild (Glycine soja). A comparative phylogenetic study revealed highest homology among the SODs and GPXs of cultivated and wild soybeans relative to other legumes. The exon/intron structure, motif and synteny blocks were conserved in both soybean species. According to Ka/Ks, purifying the selection played the major evolutionary role in these gene families, and segmental duplication are major driving force for SODs and GPXs expansion. In addition, the qRT-PCR analysis of the G. max and G. soja SOD and GPX genes revealed significant differential expression of these genes in response to oxidative, drought and salinity stresses in root tissue. In conclusion, our study provides new insights for the evolution of SOD and GPX gene families in legumes, and provides resources for further functional characterization of these genes for multiple stresses.
Gate-Level Hardware Countermeasure Comparison against Power Analysis Attacks
Authors: Tena-Sánchez Erica , Potestad-Ordóñez Francisco Eugenio , Jiménez-Fernández Carlos J. , Acosta Antonio J. , Chaves Ricardo
Published: February 2022

The fast settlement of privacy and secure operations in the Internet of Things (IoT) is appealing in the selection of mechanisms to achieve a higher level of security at minimum cost and with reasonable performances. All these aspects have been widely considered by the scientific community, but more effort is needed to allow the crypto-designer the selection of the best style for a specific application. In recent years, dozens of proposals have been presented to design circuits resistant to power analysis attacks. In this paper, a deep review of the state of the art of gate-level countermeasures against power analysis attacks has been carried out, performing a comparison between hiding approaches (the power consumption is intended to be the same for all the data processed) and the ones considering a masking procedure (the data are masked and behave as random). The most relevant proposals in the literature, 35 for hiding and 6 for masking, have been analyzed, not only by using data provided by proposers, but also those included in other references for comparison. Advantages and drawbacks of the proposals are analyzed, showing quantified data for cost, performance (delay and power), and security when available. One of the main conclusions is that the RSL proposal is the best in masking, while TSPL, HDRL, SDMLp, 3sDDL, TDPL, and SABL are those with the best security performance figures. Nevertheless, a wise combination of hiding and masking as masked_SABL presents promising results.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Fatty Acids from Cultured and Commercial Phytoplankton Species
Authors: Moretto Jéssica Aparecida , de Souza Alexander Ossanes , Berneira Lucas Moraes , Brigagão Luiz Gustavo G. , de Pereira Claudio Martin Pereira , Converti Attilio , Pinto Ernani
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: The extraction of fatty acids from microalgae and cyanobacteria is mostly performed with organic solvents and laborious procedures. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) can be a more effective and environmentally friendly process than traditional extraction (TE), which uses a large volume of solvent and conduction heating. Freshwater phytoplankton inhabits diverse aquatic environments and is a promising source of fatty acids and green precursors in the synthesis of biofuel, including cyanobacterial biomass. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of MAE to extract fatty acids from a Chlorella sp. microalga and two cyanobacteria, namely, Arthrospira sp. and Sphaerospermopsis torques-reginae, for biodiesel production. For this purpose, the lipid content and fatty acid profile of these strains were compared after treating biomass with the two extraction methods. (2) Methods: MAE and TE were used as extraction procedures; gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to assess the fatty acid profiles, and X-ray spectroscopy was used to analyze biomass. (3) Results: Although the fatty acid profile of the oil obtained by TE showed higher concentrations of fatty acids, the MAE method was able to extract more types of fatty acids. The variety of fatty acids extracted by the MAE, especially those with unsaturated chains, allowed for better quality biodiesel, presenting advantages over previous methods and studies. According to the analyses, essential fatty acids 16:0, 16:1, and 18:2 were found to be abundant in both cyanobacterial strains and in microalga, showing potential for biofuel production. Additionally, metal composition was determined as its content may indicate potential pro-oxidant influence in biofuel production. (4) Conclusions: MAE is a useful and green strategy to extract fatty acids from freshwater phytoplankton. Cyanobacteria can also be a beneficial source of fatty acids for biodiesel synthesis.
Digital 3D Technologies for Humanities Research and Education: An Overview
Authors: Muenster Sander
Published: February 2022

Digital 3D modelling and visualization technologies have been widely applied to support research in the humanities since the 1980s. Since technological backgrounds, project opportunities, and methodological considerations for application are widely discussed in the literature, one of the next tasks is to validate these techniques within a wider scientific community and establish them in the culture of academic disciplines. This article resulted from a postdoctoral thesis and is intended to provide a comprehensive overview on the use of digital 3D technologies in the humanities with regards to (1) scenarios, user communities, and epistemic challenges; (2) technologies, UX design, and workflows; and (3) framework conditions as legislation, infrastructures, and teaching programs. Although the results are of relevance for 3D modelling in all humanities disciplines, the focus of our studies is on modelling of past architectural and cultural landscape objects via interpretative 3D reconstruction methods.
Objective Detection of a Tropical Cyclone’s Center Using Satellite Image Sequences in the Northwest Pacific
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Qian
Published: February 2022

A tropical cyclone (TC) is one of the most destructive natural disasters that can cause heavy loss of life and property. Determining a TC’s center is crucial to TC forecasting. It is difficult to locate the center of a TC during its formation stage and dissipation period. To address this problem, a novel objective algorithm called cloud motion wind (CMW) was proposed for detecting a TC’s center using infrared (IR) image sequences from a geostationary meteorology satellite. First, the optical flow model with weighted median filtering was utilized to build a cloud motion wind field. Second, the density matrix method was used to calculate the center of the TC. FY-2E (Fengyun-2E geostationary meteorological satellites) IR images of three TCs in the Northwest Pacific, Halong, Rammasun and Haiyan were analyzed using the proposed algorithm. The present algorithm estimated the track with an averaged track error of around 41 km. Experimental results compared with the observed track that was given by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) show that the proposed method provided accurate estimates of the cyclone center. The present algorithm has the potential to be employed to assist forecasters to detect the track of imminent TC.
A Comparison of Parallel Algorithms for Numerical Solution of Parabolic Problems with Fractional Power Elliptic Operators
Authors: Čiegis Raimondas , Dapšys Ignas , Čiegis Remigijus
Published: February 2022

In this article we construct parallel solvers analyze the efficiency and accuracy of general parallel solvers for three dimensional parabolic problems with the fractional power of elliptic operators. The proposed discrete method are targeted for general non-constant elliptic operators, the second motivation for the usage of such schemes arises when non-uniform space meshes are essential. Parallel solvers are required to solve the obtained large size systems of linear equations. The detailed scalability analysis is done in order to compare the efficiency of prposed parallel algorithms. Results of computational experiments are presented and analyzed.
Truncated Fractional-Order Total Variation for Image Denoising under Cauchy Noise
Authors: Zhu Jianguang , Wei Juan , Lv Haijun , Hao Binbin
Published: February 2022

In recent years, the fractional-order derivative has achieved great success in removing Gaussian noise, impulsive noise, multiplicative noise and so on, but few works have been conducted to remove Cauchy noise. In this paper, we propose a novel nonconvex variational model for removing Cauchy noise based on the truncated fractional-order total variation. The new model can effectively reduce the staircase effect and keep small details or textures while removing Cauchy noise. In order to solve the nonconvex truncated fractional-order total variation regularization model, we propose an efficient alternating minimization method under the framework of the alternating direction multiplier method. Experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, compared to some previous models.
Development of Artificial Synthetic Pathway of Endophenazines in Pseudomonas chlororaphis P3
Authors: Liu Ying , Yue Shengjie , Bilal Muhammad , Jan Malik , Wang Wei , Hu Hongbo , Zhang Xuehong
Published: February 2022

Endophenazine A is a terpenoid phenazine with phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) derived from the 2-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway as the precursor, which shows good antimicrobial activity against several Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. However, the highest yield of endophenazine A was about 20 mg/L in Streptomyces, limiting its large-scale industrial development. Pseudomonas chlororaphis P3, possessing an efficient PCA synthesis and MEP pathways, is a suitable chassis to synthesize endophenazine A. Herein, we designed an artificial biosynthetic pathway for the synthesis of endophenazine A in P. chlororaphis P3. Primarily, the prenyltransferase PpzP from Streptomyces anulatus 9663 was introduced into P. chlororaphis P3 and successfully synthesized endophenazine A. Another phenazine compound, endophenazine A1, was discovered and identified as a leakage of the intermediate 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-butene pyrophosphate (HMBPP). Finally, the yield of endophenazine A reached 279.43 mg/L, and the yield of endophenazine A1 reached 189.2 mg/L by metabolic engineering and medium optimization. In conclusion, we successfully synthesized endophenazine A and endophenazine A1 in P. chlororaphis P3 for the first time and achieved the highest titer, which provides a reference for the heterologous synthesis of terpenoid phenazines.
Machine Learning-Based Identification of Colon Cancer Candidate Diagnostics Genes
Authors: Koppad Saraswati , Basava Annappa , Nash Katrina , Gkoutos Georgios V. , Acharjee Animesh
Published: February 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death and the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Due to a lack of diagnostic biomarkers and understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms, CRC’s mortality rate continues to grow. CRC occurrence and progression are dynamic processes. The expression levels of specific molecules vary at various stages of CRC, rendering its early detection and diagnosis challenging and the need for identifying accurate and meaningful CRC biomarkers more pressing. The advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have been used to explore novel gene expression, targeted treatments, and colon cancer pathogenesis. Such approaches are routinely being applied and result in large datasets whose analysis is increasingly becoming dependent on machine learning (ML) algorithms that have been demonstrated to be computationally efficient platforms for the identification of variables across such high-dimensional datasets. Methods: We developed a novel ML-based experimental design to study CRC gene associations. Six different machine learning methods were employed as classifiers to identify genes that can be used as diagnostics for CRC using gene expression and clinical datasets. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve were derived to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for CRC diagnosis. Gene ontology enrichment analyses of these DEGs were performed and predicted gene signatures were linked with miRNAs. Results: We evaluated six machine learning classification methods (Adaboost, ExtraTrees, logistic regression, naïve Bayes classifier, random forest, and XGBoost) across different combinations of training and test datasets over GEO datasets. The accuracy and the AUROC of each combination of training and test data with different algorithms were used as comparison metrics. Random forest (RF) models consistently performed better than other models. In total, 34 genes were identified and used for pathway and gene set enrichment analysis. Further mapping of the 34 genes with miRNA identified interesting miRNA hubs genes. Conclusions: We identified 34 genes with high accuracy that can be used as a diagnostics panel for CRC.
Bray-Call Sequences in the Mediterranean Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Acoustic Repertoire
Authors: Pace Daniela Silvia , Tumino Carla , Silvestri Margherita , Giacomini Giancarlo , Pedrazzi Giulia , Pavan Gianni , Papale Elena , Ceraulo Maria , Buscaino Giuseppa , Ardizzone Giandomenico
Published: February 2022

Acoustic sequences are commonly observed in many animal taxa. The vast vocal repertoire of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) also includes sequences of multi-unit rhythmic signals called bray-call which are still poorly documented, both functionally and geographically. This study aimed to (1) describe, classify, and characterize series of bray-call recorded in two sites of the Mediterranean basin (Rome—Tyrrhenian Sea and Mazara del Vallo—Strait of Sicily) and (2) investigate for the existence of possible geographic differences. The acoustic analysis identified 13 different sequence types, only two detected in both study areas. The Sørensen–Dice index revealed a low degree of similarity between the sequence repertoire of the two common bottlenose dolphin sub-populations, with the Tyrrhenian being more diversified and complex than the Sicilian one. The acoustic parameters also showed variability between the study area. Different variants of the main acoustic elements composing the bray-call sequences were detected in the Tyrrhenian Sea only. The Markov-chain model demonstrated that the transition probability between acoustic elements is not uniform, with specific combinations of elements having a higher probability of occurrence. These new findings on common bottlenose dolphin bray-call sequences highlight the structural complexity of these vocalizations and suggest addressing future research on the context of emissions and the possible function(s) of such acoustic arrangements.
Preface of the Special Issue on the Role of Extracellular Matrix in Development and Cancer Progression
Authors: Tzanakakis George , Nikitovic Dragana
Published: February 2022

The consecutive steps of tumor growth, local invasion, intravasation, extravasation, invasion of anatomically distant sites, and immunosuppression are obligatorily perpetrated through specific interactions of the tumor cells with their microenvironment [...]
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacterioferritin Is Assembled from FtnA and BfrB Subunits with the Relative Proportions Dependent on the Environmental Oxygen Availability
Authors: Yao Huili , Soldano Anabel , Fontenot Leo , Donnarumma Fabrizio , Lovell Scott , Chandler Josephine R. , Rivera Mario
Published: February 2022

Ferritins are iron storage proteins assembled from 24 subunits into a spherical and hollow structure. The genomes of many bacteria harbor genes encoding two types of ferritin-like proteins, the bacterial ferritins (Ftn) and the bacterioferritins (Bfr), which bind heme. The genome of P. aeruginosa PAO1 (like the genomes of many bacteria) contains genes coding for two different types of ferritin-like molecules, ftnA (PA4235) and bfrB (PA3531). The reasons for requiring the presence of two distinct types of iron storage protein in bacterial cells have remained largely unexplained. Attempts to understand this issue in P. aeruginosa through the recombinant expression of the ftnA and bfrB genes in E. coli host cells, coupled to the biochemical and structural characterization of the recombinant 24-mer FtnA and 24-mer BfrB molecules, have shown that each of the recombinant molecules can form an Fe3+-mineral core. These observations led to the suggestion that 24-mer FtnA and 24-mer BfrB molecules coexist in P. aeruginosa cells where they share iron storage responsibilities. Herein, we demonstrate that P. aeruginosa utilizes a single heterooligomeric 24-mer Bfr assembled from FtnA and BfrB subunits. The relative content of the FtnA and BfrB subunits in Bfr depends on the O2 availability during cell culture, such that Bfr isolated from aerobically cultured P. aeruginosa is assembled from a majority of BfrB subunits. In contrast, when the cells are cultured in O2-limiting conditions, the proportion of FtnA subunits in the isolated Bfr increases significantly and can become the most abundant subunit. Despite the variability in the subunit composition of Bfr, the 24-mer assembly is consistently arranged from FtnA subunit dimers devoid of heme and BfrB subunit dimers each containing a heme molecule.
Compact Surface Plasmon Resonance IgG Sensor Based on H-Shaped Optical Fiber
Authors: Huang Yijian , Wang Ying , Xu Gaixia , Rao Xing , Zhang Jiaxiong , Wu Xun , Liao Changrui , Wang Yiping
Published: February 2022

A compact surface plasmon resonance sensor based on an H-shaped optical fiber is proposed and demonstrated. The H-shaped optical fiber was fabricated experimentally by using hydrofluoric acid to controllably corrode the polarization-maintaining fiber. A satisfactory distance between the outer surface of the fiber and the core can be achieved, and then the surface plasmon resonance effect can be excited by coating a metal film of appropriate thickness on the surface of the fiber. This technology can realize the preparation of multiple samples at one time, compared to the traditional side-polishing technique. The H-shaped optical fiber obtained from corrosion exhibits a high surface quality and short lengths, down to only a few hundred microns. The effects of the proposed H-shaped optical fiber on spectral properties are induced by process parameters, including fiber remaining thickness, coating thickness and fiber length, and were investigated in detail. The prepared sensor was used for the specific detection of human IgG, and the minimum human IgG concentration that the sensor can distinguish is 3.4 μg/mL. Such a compact surface plasmon resonance fiber sensor has the advantages of an easy fabrication, good consistency and low cost, and is expected to be applied in the specific detection of biomarkers.
Seismic Performance of Story-Added Type Buildings Remodeled with Story Seismic Isolation Systems
Authors: Hur Moo-Won , Park Tae-Won
Published: February 2022

Story-added type apartments have recently been introduced as an option to resolve the housing supply shortage in areas that are undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. However, the infrastructure of old apartment buildings (>20 years old) makes it difficult to introduce convenient facilities and recent technologies such as those involving the Internet of Things and augmented realities. Applying housing technologies to existing older apartments can increase housing supply and potentially address the aforementioned issues. However, story-added building remodeling increases the weight of existing buildings, necessitating seismic reinforcement, which is the major obstacle when performing vertical building extensions. This study presents methods for lowering seismic loads associated with vertical augmentation of buildings while improving the seismic performance. A model of a vertically extended building with three additional stories constructed on top of an existing 15-story apartment building was used. The applied seismic isolation system decreased the maximum response acceleration on top of the remodeled building by approximately 70% and 65% in the X-direction and Y-direction, respectively, while decreasing the base shear plane by approximately 30% in both the X- and Y-directions in comparison with forces on a non-seismically isolated building. These results demonstrate that the use of a seismic isolation system can significantly reduce seismic loads.
PYL1- and PYL8-like ABA Receptors of Nicotiana benthamiana Play a Key Role in ABA Response in Seed and Vegetative Tissue
Authors: Pizzio Gaston A. , Mayordomo Cristian , Lozano-Juste Jorge , Garcia-Carpintero Victor , Vazquez-Vilar Marta , Nebauer Sergio G. , Kaminski Kacper P. , Ivanov Nikolai V. , Estevez Juan C. , Rivera-Moreno Maria , Albert Armando , Orzaez Diego , Rodriguez Pedro L.
Published: February 2022

To face the challenges of climate change and sustainable food production, it is essential to develop crop genome editing techniques to pinpoint key genes involved in abiotic stress signaling. The identification of those prevailing abscisic acid (ABA) receptors that mediate plant-environment interactions is quite challenging in polyploid plants because of the high number of genes in the PYR/PYL/RCAR ABA receptor family. Nicotiana benthamiana is a biotechnological crop amenable to genome editing, and given the importance of ABA signaling in coping with drought stress, we initiated the analysis of its 23-member family of ABA receptors through multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing. We generated several high-order mutants impaired in NbPYL1-like and NbPYL8-like receptors, which showed certain insensitivity to ABA for inhibition of seedling establishment, growth, and development of shoot and lateral roots as well as reduced sensitivity to the PYL1-agonist cyanabactin (CB). However, in these high-order mutants, regulation of transpiration was not affected and was responsive to ABA treatment. This reveals a robust and redundant control of transpiration in this allotetraploid plant that probably reflects its origin from the extreme habitat of central Australia.
The DNA Damage Response in Fully Grown Mammalian Oocytes
Authors: Pailas Alexandros , Niaka Konstantina , Zorzompokou Chrysoula , Marangos Petros
Published: February 2022

DNA damage in cells can occur physiologically or may be induced by exogenous factors. Genotoxic damage may cause cancer, ageing, serious developmental diseases and anomalies. If the damage occurs in the germline, it can potentially lead to infertility or chromosomal and genetic aberrations in the developing embryo. Mammalian oocytes, the female germ cells, are produced before birth, remaining arrested at the prophase stage of meiosis over a long period of time. During this extensive state of arrest the oocyte may be exposed to different DNA-damaging insults for months, years or even decades. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand how these cells respond to DNA damage. In this review, we summarize the most recent developments in the understanding of the DNA damage response mechanisms that function in fully grown mammalian oocytes.