bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training and High-Intensity Interval Training on Testicular Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis and m6A Methylation in Obese Male Mice
Authors: Xu Zujie , Qin Ying , Lv Binbin , Tian Zhenjun , Zhang Bing
Published: September 2022

Exercise is an effective way to improve reproductive function in obese males. Oxidative stress and apoptosis are important pathological factors of obesity-related male infertility. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is associated with obesity and testicular reproductive function. Our study aimed to investigate and compare the effect of 8 weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on testicular oxidative stress, apoptosis and m6A methylation in obese male mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into the four groups: normal diet (ND) group, high-fat diet (HFD) group, high-fat diet with moderate-intensity continuous training (HFD-MICT) group and high-fat diet with high-intensity interval training (HFD-HIIT) group. Mice in the HFD-MICT and HFD-HIIT groups were subjected to 8 weeks of MICT or HIIT treadmill protocols after 12 weeks of HFD feeding. We found that MICT and HIIT increased the protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 in the testes of obese mice, and HIIT increased it more than MICT. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression and TUNEL-positive cells were consistently up-regulated in the testes of obese mice, but MICT and HIIT restrained these HFD-induced effects. In addition, HFDs increased m6A levels and the gene expression of METTL3, YTHDF2 and FTO in the testes, but these effects were reversed by MICT and HIIT. However, HIIT was more effective than MICT in reducing m6A methylation in the testes of obese mice. These results demonstrate that both MICT and HIIT protected against HFD-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and m6A methylation in testicular tissues; as a result, testicular morphological and functional impairment improved. In particular, HIIT was more beneficial than MICT in increasing the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes and testicular antioxidant capacity and decreasing m6A methylation in the testes of HFD-fed mice.
Hydroxy-Selenomethionine, an Organic Selenium Source, Increases Selenoprotein Expression and Positively Modulates the Inflammatory Response of LPS-Stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Campo-Sabariz Joan , García-Vara Adriana , Moral-Anter David , Briens Mickael , Hachemi Mohammed A. , Pinloche Eric , Ferrer Ruth , Martín-Venegas Raquel
Published: September 2022

The role of 2-hydroxy-(4-methylseleno)butanoic acid (OH-SeMet), a form of organic selenium (Se), in selenoprotein synthesis and inflammatory response of THP1-derived macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been investigated. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, GPX1 gene expression, selenoprotein P (SELENOP) protein and gene expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were studied in Se-deprived conditions (6 and 24 h). Then, macrophages were supplemented with OH-SeMet for 72 h and GPX1 and SELENOP gene expression were determined. The protective effect of OH-SeMet against oxidative stress was studied in H2O2-stimulated macrophages, as well as the effect on GPX1 gene expression, oxidative stress, cytokine production (TNFα, IL-1β and IL-10), and phagocytic and killing capacities after LPS stimulation. Se deprivation induced a reduction in GPX activity, GPX1 gene expression, and SELENOP protein and gene expression at 24 h. OH-SeMet upregulated GPX1 and SELENOP gene expression and decreased ROS production after H2O2 treatment. In LPS-stimulated macrophages, OH-SeMet upregulated GPX1 gene expression, enhanced phagocytic and killing capacities, and reduced ROS and cytokine production. Therefore, OH-SeMet supplementation supports selenoprotein expression and controls oxidative burst and cytokine production while enhancing phagocytic and killing capacities, modulating the inflammatory response, and avoiding the potentially toxic insult produced by highly activated macrophages.
Reduced Nucleotides, Thiols and O2 in Cellular Redox Balance: A Biochemist’s View
Authors: Bettendorff Lucien
Published: September 2022

In the present review, which is aimed at researchers, teachers and students in life sciences, we try to show how the physicochemical properties of the elements and molecules define the concept of redox balance. Living organism are open systems traversed by fluxes of energy and matter. During catabolic oxidative metabolism, matter—mostly hydrogenated organic molecules—is oxidized and ultimately released as CO2. Electrons are passed over to coupling molecules, such as NAD+ and FAD, whose reduced forms serve as electrons donors in anabolic reactions. Early photosynthetic activity led to the accumulation of O2 and the transformation of the reduction to an oxidizing atmosphere, favoring the development of oxidative metabolism in living organisms. We focus on the specific properties of O2 that provide the chemical energy for the combustion reactions occurring in living cells. We explain the concepts of redox potential and redox balance in complex systems such as living cells, we present the main redox couples involved in cellular redox balance and we discuss the chemical properties underlying their cellular roles and, in particular, their antioxidant properties in the defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, we try to provide an integrative view emphasizing the interplay between metabolism, oxidative stress and metabolic compartmentation in mammalian cells.
Optimum Design of UAV Wing Skin Structure with a High Aspect Ratio Using Variable Laminate Stiffness
Authors: Jang Jun-Hwan , Ahn Sang-Ho
Published: September 2022

This paper quickly calculated the design variables to satisfy the strength and stability conditions, the dominant design verification conditions of the composite wing structure, through a genetic algorithm. It developed a variable stiffness stacking optimization process applicable to aircraft wing structure design. We proposed a laminate parameter-based optimization strategy that considers the stiffness characteristics of the two-dimensional elements used as design variables. Compared with the optimization results obtained using continuous stiffness optimization as an optimization process function of laminate sequences with genetic algorithms, we obtained a reasonable stiffness distribution while complying with critical guidelines related to individual composite layup designs. The results of the stiffness optimization design were implemented as a finite element model, and the results were verified through NASTRAN. We demonstrated the functionality of the stiffness optimization process by obtaining results satisfying the set response conditions, i.e., strength and stability, in many design areas of the wing.
Brain [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Metabolism Assessment under Hypothyroidism and Recombinant Human Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in Comparison with Thyroid Hormone Replacement in Patients Submitted to Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Almeida Sílvia D. , Oliveira Francisco P. M. , Oliveira Maria J. , Oliveira José M. , Afonso Rita , Faria Diogo B. , Costa Durval C.
Published: September 2022

Objective: To compare brain metabolism using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in total thyroidectomy patients during hypothyroidism (levothyroxine withdrawal) or under recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) against levothyroxine intake. Methods: A total of 12 patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group underwent the first [18F]FDG PET/CT brain scan after levothyroxine withdrawal (hypothyroidism condition) and repeated the scan 6 months later during regular levothyroxine intake (replacement condition). The other group underwent the first [18F]FDG PET/CT scan after receiving an rhTSH injection and maintained regular levothyroxine intake (rhTSH condition), and repeated the scan 7 months later during regular levothyroxine intake without rhTSH administration. The intra-group regional brain metabolisms were compared. Results: Under the hypothyroidism condition, brain metabolism was significantly reduced, namely in the bilateral pre-frontal, temporal, anterior cingulate, and primary motor cortices, insula, and striatum (uncorrected voxelwise p < 0.005); No significant differences were found between the rhTSH and replacement conditions. Conclusion: rhTSH administration could be a better option than levothyroxine withdrawal for 131I treatment, serum thyroglobulin measurement, or radioiodine scanning for patient follow-up.
A Deep Learning-Based Approach for the Identification of a Multi-Parameter BWBN Model
Authors: Li Zele , Noori Mohammad , Wan Chunfeng , Yu Bo , Wang Bochen , Altabey Wael A.
Published: September 2022

A restoring-force model is a versatile mathematical model that can describe the relationship between the restoring force and the deformation obtained from a large number of experiments. Over the past few decades, a large body of work on the development of restoring-force models has been reported in the literature. Under high intensity cyclic loadings or seismic excitations, reinforced concrete (RC) structures undergo a wide range of hysteretic deteriorations such as strength, stiffness and pinching degradations. These characteristic behaviors can be described by the multi-parameter Bouc-Wen-Baber-Noori (BWBN) model, which offers a wide range of applicability. This model has been applied for the response prediction and modeling restoring-force behavior in structural and mechanical engineering systems, by adjusting the distribution range of this model’s parameters. However, a major difficulty in utilizing the multi-parameter BWBN model is the parameters’ identification. In this paper, a deep neural network model is used to estimate the hysteresis parameters of the BWBN model. This model is one of the most versatile and widely used general hysteresis models that can describe the hysteretic behavior of RC columns. The experimental data of the RC columns used in this paper are collected from the database of the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER). Firstly, the hysteretic loop obtained from a physical experiment is described by the BWBN model, and the parameters of the BWBN model are identified via a genetic optimization algorithm. Then a neural network is established by a backpropagation (BP) algorithm for associating the identified BWBN model parameters with physical parameters of the RC column. Finally, the regression analysis of the identified parameters is carried out to obtain the regression characteristics of the RC columns. The trained neural network model can directly identify the parameters of BWBN model based on the physical parameters of RC columns, and is effective and computationally efficient for multi-parameter BWBN model identification. The proposed approach overcomes the difficult problem of identifying the parameters of BWBN model and provides a promising approach for a wider application of this multi-parameter hysteresis model.
A Comparison Study of the Radial and Non-Radial Support Schemes in the Deep Coal Mine Roadways under TBM Excavation by the 3-D Equivalent Continuum Approach
Authors: Ding Feng , Gao Yanan , Gao Feng , Li Minghui , Lu Yiqiang , He Fei
Published: September 2022

In recent years, TBM has been widely applied in deep coal mining to lift the TBM tunneling efficiency and avoid accidents, and more flexible support schemes are expected and required. This research aims to evaluate the performance of the two different support schemes and to study the law of the support effect. A three-dimensional continuum model was established based on the available geological information, and the support effect at the three-dimensional level was studied by changing the support spacing and was assessed in term of the stress, displacement, failure zone, bolt force distributions, and axial deformation behavior of the tunnel. The results show that no matter what the geological condition was, the support of the non-radial support was a little lower than that of the radial support, and with a worse geological condition, the non-radial support had a better performance in the stabilizing tunnel. Additionally, the law of the support effect was found. The interlapping of the support influence domain was the essence of the increase in the support effect. Finally, according to the support law, the appropriate support spacing is found, which is smaller than 50% of the support influence domain length.
Does the Driver Understand the Warning? Comprehension of the Request to Intervene
Authors: Rodak Aleksandra , Kruszewski Mikołaj , Sztandera Błażej
Published: September 2022

Understanding the information conveyed by symbols is extremely important from the point of view of road safety. The symbols used on road signs and integrated into the vehicle must be clear and legible. This is especially important given the lack of regulations and standardization in the field of modern driving automation systems. Manufacturers are allowed to choose the way of informing the driver about the need to intervene in a situation when the vehicle is unable to continue driving in automated mode. The authors proposed to assess the comprehension of the information displayed by several different icons used to inform the driver about the need to take control. For this purpose, they used the adapted ISO 9186 Comprehension Test. The research was carried out on two different groups of drivers—passenger car drivers and professional bus drivers. A total of nine different pictograms were tested. The results indicate that drivers associate the red color with information about danger. The same icon in different colors may have a different effect on drivers, often leading to wrong responses.
Multiple-Stage Knowledge Distillation
Authors: Xu Chuanyun , Bai Nanlan , Gao Wenjian , Li Tian , Li Mengwei , Li Gang , Zhang Yang
Published: September 2022

Knowledge distillation (KD) is a method in which a teacher network guides the learning of a student network, thereby resulting in an improvement in the performance of the student network. Recent research in this area has concentrated on developing effective definitions of knowledge and efficient methods of knowledge transfer while ignoring the learning ability of the student network. To fully utilize this potential learning ability and improve learning efficiency, this study proposes a multiple-stage KD (MSKD) method that allows students to learn the knowledge delivered by the teacher network in multiple stages. The student network in this method consists of a multi-exit architecture, and the students imitate the output of the teacher network at each exit. The final classification by the student network is achieved through ensemble learning. However, because this results in an unreasonable gap between the number of parameters in the student branch network and those in the teacher branch network, as well as a mismatch in learning capacity between these two networks, we extend the MSKD method to a one-to-one multiple-stage KD method. The experimental results reveal that the proposed method applied to the CIFAR100 and Tiny ImageNet datasets exhibits good performance gain. The proposed method of enhancing KD by changing the style of student learning provides new insight into KD.
Flood Risk Assessment Using GIS-Based Analytical Hierarchy Process in the Municipality of Odiongan, Romblon, Philippines
Authors: Gacu Jerome G. , Monjardin Cris Edward F. , Senoro Delia B. , Tan Fibor J.
Published: September 2022

The archipelagic Romblon province frequently experiences typhoons and heavy rains that causes extreme flooding, this produces particular concern about the severity of damage in the Municipality of Odiongan. Hence, this study aimed to assess the spatial flood risk of Odiongan using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), considering disaster risk factors with data collected from various government agencies. The study employed the geographic information system (GIS) to illustrate the spatial distribution of flooding in the municipality. Sendai Framework was the basis of risk analysis in this study. The hazard parameters considered were average annual rainfall, elevation, slope, soil type, and flood depth. Population density, land use, and household number were considered parameters for the exposure assessment. Vulnerability assessments considered gender ratio, mean age, average income, number of persons with disabilities, educational attainment, water usage, emergency preparedness, type of structures, and distance to evacuation area as physical, social, and economic factors. Each parameter was compared to one another by pairwise comparison to identify the weights based on experts’ judgment. These weights were then integrated into the flood risk assessment computation. The results led to a flood risk map which recorded nine barangays (small local government units) at high risk of flooding, notably the Poblacion Area. The results of this study will guide local government units in developing prompt flood management programs, appropriate mitigation measures, preparedness, and response and recovery strategies to reduce flood risk and vulnerability to the population of Odiongan.
Special Issue Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Engineering II
Authors: Mizrahi Joseph
Published: September 2022

This is the second of two issues on orthopedic and rehabilitation engineering [...]
Geochemical Characteristics and Depositional Environment of Coal-Measure Hydrocarbon Source Rocks in the Northern Tectonic Belt, Kuqa Depression
Authors: Gao Tianze , Ding Xiujian , Yang Xianzhang , Chen Changchao , Xu Zhenping , Liu Keyu , Zhang Xueqi , Cao Weizheng
Published: September 2022

A total of 21 samples were selected from a total of Jurassic coal-measure source rocks in the northern structural belt of the Kuqa Depression, in the Tarim Basin. By using a carbon-sulfur content analyzer, Rock Eval 7 rock pyrology instrument and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the abundance, type, depositional environment, and source of organic matter are confirmed. The factors that control the development of coal-measure hydrocarbon source rocks are analyzed. The pyrolysis parameters of rocks, such as total organic carbon (TOC), hydrocarbon generating potential (S1 + S2), hydrogen index (HI) and the highest pyrolysis peak temperature (Tmax), show that good to excellent coal-measure source rocks constitute the majority, and the types of organic matter are predominantly type III and occasionally type II. Low S/C ratio, high Pr/Ph value, and high C29 regular sterane levels suggest that the environment in which the coal-measure source rocks were deposited was oxidative, and the majority of the organic matter comes from higher terrestrial plants. In addition, the cross plot of isoprenoids with n-alkanes and the triangle diagrams of regular sterane also show that the primary source of organic matters in coal-measure source rocks is terrestrial higher plants. Because the shallow and turbulent water body is not easily stratified, the gammacerane content is low, which reflects the characteristics of low salinity. Combined with the cross plots of isoprenoids, it might be demonstrated that the freshwater environment is where the coal-measure source rocks were deposited. Comprehensive analysis shows that the oxidational and freshwater depositional environment is favorable to coal-measure source rock development.
A Study on Improvement of Motion Sensation for a Vehicle Driving Simulator Based on Specific Force Gain and Tilt Angle Scale Method
Authors: Kwon Seong-Jin , Kim Moon-Sik
Published: September 2022

The vehicle driving simulator (VDS) is a virtual reality-based system that provides drivers and passengers with a driving feeling similar to the actual vehicle. However, the motion system of the VDS has limitations in providing the same driving feeling as the actual driving due to its limited kinematics and dynamic characteristics. In order to solve these problems and limit the motion of the VDS to the kinematic workspace, a washout algorithm is needed. However, since the classical washout algorithm causes simulator sickness due to time delay and signal distortion caused by using the signal filters, various washout algorithms have been proposed, such as a new tilt coordination algorithm and method of directly reflecting subregions of vehicle tilt angle. However, the new tilt coordination washout algorithm has the disadvantage of extremely degrading the rotational motion sensation, and the subregions scale method has the disadvantage of ambiguous criteria for selecting scale parameters. In this paper, we propose a novel washout algorithm that improves the motion sensation of the driver and passengers by an enhanced tilt coordination and subregion scale washout algorithm and evaluate it through a simulation based on the human sensation model. The proposed washout algorithm has the advantage of maintaining enhanced translational motion sensation by the new tilt coordination algorithm while complementing deteriorated rotational motion sensation. In addition, the structure of the algorithm is simple and gain tunning is intuitive, making it easy for the user to apply to the motion system of the VDS.
Organic Materials Used for Giant Buddhas and Wall Paintings in Bamiyan, Afghanistan
Authors: Taniguchi Yoko , Kawahara Kazuki , Takashima Miho , Cotte Marine , Mazurek Joy , Kumazawa Yuki , Taga Yuki , Nakazawa Takashi
Published: September 2022

Since 2004, scientific research on the damaged Giant Buddha statues and Buddhist paintings in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, has been conducted at various laboratories and large-scale facilities using mass-spectrometry techniques (GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, nano-LC/ESI-MS/MS), ELISA, and synchrotron-based micro-analyses) in parallel to conservation intervention. Studies on samples from these cultural heritage objects have shown that each is composed of a polychromatic multilayered structure with sizing layers, ground layers, painted layers, and glaze. The carefully produced complex multilayered structures were examined using optical microscopy (visible and UV light) as well as synchrotron-based infrared microscopy, both of which revealed various organic and inorganic components in each layer. High sensitivity bulk MS and ELISA methods were used to further identify details regarding organic materials, such as fatty acids and collagens, and these results suggest different vegetable oils and animal species of glues. For example, cow milk casein and cow skin glue were identified in the Eastern Giant Buddha, suggesting that casein was used as a sizing agent and the cow skin glue as a binder for painting. The wall paintings from Cave N(a) (mid-7th century AD) were found to have horse glue used as sizing and drying oil (poppyseed/walnuts/perilla oils) as a binding media. The paintings’ complex structures and their organic and inorganic materials were fully understood using both imaging and bulk methods, and thus, these methods help to reconstruct historical wall painting techniques in full.
Polymeric Nanoparticles—Tools in a Drug Delivery System in Selected Cancer Therapies
Authors: Madej Marcel , Kurowska Natalia , Strzalka-Mrozik Barbara
Published: September 2022

The increase in cancer cases is undoubtedly affecting the development of new therapeutic approaches. Polymeric nanoparticles are of great interest. Due to their relatively small size, the possibility of incorporating into them medicinal substances and the ease with which their physicochemical properties may be manipulated, they are being used as anticancer drug delivery systems. The aim of this review is to focus on the use of nanoscale polymeric particles in the treatment of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and glioblastoma multiforme, and to consider their potential use in cancer gene therapy. According to several reports, the use of polymer nanoparticles as drug carriers is promising in solid tumors. With their application, it is possible to precisely deliver medicinal substances to the tumor structure, to overcome the blood–brain barrier in the case of brain tumors, to reduce the side effects of anticancer agents on normal cells and to achieve a therapeutic effect with a lower drug dose. Additionally, a number of reports indicate that they can also be used in combination with other methods of cancer treatment, mainly radiotherapy.
Experimental Solution for Estimating Pedestrian Locations from UAV Imagery
Authors: Kainz Ondrej , Gera Marek , Michalko Miroslav , Jakab František
Published: September 2022

This research describes an experimental solution used for estimating the positions of pedestrians from video recordings. Additionally, clustering algorithms were utilized to interpret the data. The system employs the You Only Look Once (YOLO) algorithm for object detection. The detection algorithm is applied to video recordings provided by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). An experimental method for calculating the pedestrian’s geolocation is proposed. The output of the calculation, i.e., the data file, can be visualized on a map and analyzed using cluster analyses, including K-means, DBSCAN, and OPTICS algorithms. The experimental software solution can be deployed on a UAV or other computing devices. Further testing was performed to evaluate the suitability of the selected algorithms and to identify optimal use cases. This solution can successfully detect groups of pedestrians from video recordings and it provides tools for subsequent cluster analyses.
Design and Performance Analysis of Navigation Signal Based on OFDM
Authors: Wang Xinqi , Yang Yikang , Deng Lingyu , Ye Lvyang , Li Zhanqi , Xiao Yong , Dong Wenliang
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a new navigation modulation based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). We derived the autocorrelation function and power spectral density of the OFDM modulation. The influence of the cyclic prefix and zero-padding is discussed. The influence of OFDM modulation parameters on navigation signal performance was deeply analyzed, which can help signal designers choose the OFDM parameters. The main peak of the proposed autocorrelation function is narrow and has good tracking accuracy. The sidelobe is lower, and the delay locking loop is more robust. The power spectrum density is evenly distributed in the main lobe of the signal, and the anti-interference is good. By comparing OFDM navigation signals with other navigation signals, it can be found that OFDM navigation signals have good tracking accuracy and a strong anti-interference ability. Combined with the proposed navigation modulation and communication signal, the OFDM navigation signal has a low bit error rate for the communication signal and has a good communication integration potential, which can meet the business requirements of the future communication and navigation integration market.
Detection of Wind Turbine Failures through Cross-Information between Neighbouring Turbines
Authors: Marti-Puig Pere , Cusidó Jordi , Lozano Francisco J. , Serra-Serra Moises , Caiafa Cesar F. , Solé-Casals Jordi
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the time variation of signals from several SCADA systems of geographically closed turbines are analysed and compared. When operating correctly, they show a clear pattern of joint variation. However, the presence of a failure in one of the turbines causes the signals from the faulty turbine to decouple from the pattern. From this information, SCADA data is used to determine, firstly, how to derive reference signals describing this pattern and, secondly, to compare the evolution of different turbines with respect to this joint variation. This makes it possible to determine whether the behaviour of the assembly is correct, because they maintain the well-functioning patterns, or whether they are decoupled. The presented strategy is very effective and can provide important support for decision making in turbine maintenance and, in the near future, to improve the classification of signals for training supervised normality models. In addition to being a very effective system, it is a low computational cost strategy, which can add great value to the SCADA data systems present in wind farms.
Evaluating the Quality of Patient-Specific Deformable Image Registration in Adaptive Radiotherapy Using a Digitally Enhanced Head and Neck Phantom
Authors: Cagni Elisabetta , Botti Andrea , Orlandi Matteo , Galaverni Marco , Iotti Cinzia , Iori Mauro , Lewis Geraint , Spezi Emiliano
Published: September 2022

Despite the availability of national and international guidelines, an accurate and efficient, patient-specific, deformable image registration (DIR) validation methodology is not yet established, and several groups have found an incompatibility of the various digital phantoms with the commercial systems. To evaluate the quality of the computed tomography (CT) and on-board cone-beam CT (CBCT) DIRs, a novel methodology was developed and tested on 10 head and neck (HN) patients, using CT and CBCT anthropomorphic HN phantom images, digitally reprocessed to include the common organs at risk. Reference DVFs (refDVFs) were generated from the clinical patient CT-CBCT fused images using an independent registration software. The phantom CT images were artificially deformed, using the refDVFs, and registered with the phantom CBCT images, using the clinical registration software, generating a test DVF (testDVF) dataset. The clinical plans were recalculated on the daily patient ‘deformed’ CTs, and the dose maps transferred to the patient-planning CT, using both the refDVF and testDVF. The spatial and dosimetric errors were quantified and the DIR performance evaluated using an established operative tolerance level. The method showed the ability to quantify the DIR spatial errors and assess their dose impact at the voxel level and could be applied to patient-specific DIR evaluation during adaptive HN radiotherapy in routine practice.
A Case Treated with Maxillary Molar Distalization through the Maxillary Sinus: Three-Dimensional Assessment with a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Superimposition
Authors: Oishi Shuji , Ono Takashi
Published: September 2022

In this report, we describe a successful orthodontic treatment through the maxillary sinus and show the utility of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for this procedure. A 20-year-old man with Class I molar relationships and crowding of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth came to us to improve his malocclusion. Maxillary molar distalization was necessary to reduce the crowding of the teeth. This was achieved by the use of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and the uprighting of the mandibular molars. However, several roots of the maxillary molars protruded into the maxillary sinus. The maxillary sinus is a known barrier to orthodontic tooth movement, leading to root resorption and/or tipping movement. We aimed to distalize the maxillary molars through the maxillary sinus by bodily movement. The findings were three-dimensionally confirmed by using the superimposition of CBCT obtained before and after the treatment.
Prediction of Eudaimonic and Hedonic Orientation of Movie Watchers
Authors: Motamedi Elham , Barile Francesco , Tkalčič Marko
Published: September 2022

Personality accounts for how individuals differ in their enduring emotional, interpersonal, experiential, attitudinal and motivational styles. Personality, especially in the form of the Five Factor Model, has shown usefulness in personalized systems, such as recommender systems. In this work, we focus on a personality model that is targeted at motivations for multimedia consumption. The model is composed of two dimensions: the (i) eudaimonic orientation of users (EO) and (ii) hedonic orientation of users (HO). While the former accounts for how much a user is interested in content that deals with meaningful topics, the latter accounts for how much a user is interested in the entertaining quality of the content. Our research goal is to devise a model that predicts the EH and HO of users from interaction data with movies, such as ratings. We collected a dataset of 350 users, 703 movies and 3499 ratings. We performed a comparison of various predictive algorithms, as both regression and classification problems. Finally, we demonstrate that our proposed approach is able to predict the EO and HO of users from traces of interactions with movies substantially better than the baseline approaches. The outcomes of this work have implications for exploitation in recommender systems.
Clinicopathological and Body Composition Analysis of VHL and TTN Gene Mutations in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Greco Federico , Tafuri Alessandro , Grasso Rosario Francesco , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Mallio Carlo Augusto
Published: September 2022

Background: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network revealed numerous clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) gene mutations among which titin (TTN). The link between excessive amounts of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and ccRCC pathogenesis is known. A relationship between VHL and TTN gene mutations and a CT-derived estimation of body composition in ccRCC patients has been evaluated. Methods: We retrospectively assessed patients from the TCGA-kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) database for evaluation of clinicopathological and body composition analysis of ccRCC VHL and TTN gene mutations. Results: Gene expression levels and survival were assessed on a large cohort of 483 patients and 533 tumor samples. A statistically significant difference of VHL expression reduction in primary tumor (p < 0.0001) and a TTN expression increase in primary tumor (p < 0.0001) was shown. TTN high expression levels was associated with statistically significant lower KIRC patient survival at eight years (p < 0.05). For body composition analysis, we included 54 male patients divided into two groups: ccRCC-VHL (n = 41) and ccRCC-TTN (n = 13) groups. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were obtained for total adipose tissue (TAT) (p < 0.01), VAT (p < 0.05), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (p < 0.05) and total abdominal muscle (TAM) (p < 0.05) areas. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a link between ccRCC TTN gene mutation and shorter patient survival. The reduction of the analyzed tissues might be a risk of cancer cachexia in ccRCC patients with TTN gene mutation.
Metamodernism or Metamodernity
Authors: Stoev Dina
Published: September 2022

The concept of metamodernism relies on our understanding of modernism, postmodernism and the bigger cultural periods that originated them. While modernism is a product of modernity, postmodernism is not situated comprehensively within a well-defined period. Moreover, when dealing with the dichotomy of movement and era in the last century, we are presented with a taxonomic dilemma of conflating eras and their aesthetical manifestations. Contrary to the prevalent view of cultural shifts, here I propose a different attempt at periodising and understanding ontologically the concepts of modernism, postmodernism and metamodernism, and the related cultural periods in which they are situated. I argue that modernism and postmodernism should be considered as a continuum in a temporal sense, but not as equal orders in a categorical sense, and that postmodernism is not an apt descriptor for the period following modernity, nor for the aesthetic paradigm following modernism. To resolve this problem, on the one hand, I propose we adopt the term metamodernity, which better reflects the new era of cultural development. On the other hand, I discuss metamodernism, which is the current aesthetical, and to a degree axiological, manifestation of this new era.
Global Art Market in the Aftermath of COVID-19
Authors: Sidorova Elena
Published: September 2022

Although the global art market has often been resilient to international economic and political events, it has faced some of its biggest challenges under the influence of COVID-19. Among others, the pandemic and the accompanying restrictive administrative measures taken by world governments have significantly influenced such key economic indicators as gallery employment, art sales, and the organization of international art fairs. This Special Issue studies various economic, social, and political impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global art market’s current state and future evolution.
Influence of Karst Reservoir Capacity on Flood in Lijiang Basin Based on Modified HEC-HMS through Soil Moisture Accounting Loss
Authors: Dai Junfeng , Rad Saeed , Xu Jingxuan , Wan Zupeng , Li Zitao , Pan Linyan , Shahab Asfandyar
Published: September 2022

The objective of this work was to modify the HEC-HMS flood prediction for the karstic watershed of the Lijiang River, South China, through the quantitative inclusion into the model of the available reservoir capacity of karst (ARCK) as a case study. Due to the complexities caused by hidden drainage networks in karst hydrology, as a new approach, soil moisture accounting loss was used to reflect the ARCK in flood forecasting. The soil moisture loss was analyzed against daily rainfall runoff data across 1.5 years by using an artificial neural network via phyton programming. Through the correlations found among the amounts of soil moisture and river flow fluctuations in response to precipitation and its intervals, coefficients were introduced to the model for output modifications. ARCK analysis revealed that while heavy rainfalls with longer intervals (i.e., 174 mm/2d after 112 days of the dry season) may not cause considerable changes in the river flow magnitude (0.1–0.64 higher owing to high ARCK), relatively small rainfalls with higher frequency (i.e., 83 mm/4d during the wet season) can cause drastic raise of river flow (10–20 times greater at different stations) due to lower ARCK. Soil moisture accounting loss coefficients did enhance the model’s simulated hydrographs accuracy (NSE) up to 16% on average as compared to the initial forecasting via real data. However, the modifications were valid for flood events within a few years from the soil moisture observation period. Our result suggested that the inclusion of ARCK in modeling through soil moisture accounting loss can lead to increased prediction accuracy through consistent monitoring.
Physical Formation Mechanisms of the Southwest China Vortex
Authors: Liu Chun , Li Yueqing , Liu Zimu , Ye Molin
Published: September 2022

On the basis of the Prandtl boundary layer theory and an improved perturbation method, the process of laminar flow bifurcating into the Southwest China vortex (SWV) in the Hengduan Mountains is studied. The results show that the formation of SWV is mainly determined by the speed of incoming airflow in the direction of the main axis of the Hengduan Mountains. The vortex is generated in the leeward area of the Hengduan Mountains when the speed of incoming airflow is greater than the critical velocity. Moreover, it means that the laminar flow bifurcates into a vortex. The formation position of the SWV is mainly determined by the relative position of the incoming airflow in the windward area of the Hengduan Mountains and the main axis of the Hengduan Mountains. The seasonal distribution of SWVs is determined by both the velocity of the incoming airflow and the relative position of the incoming airflow to the main axis of the Hengduan Mountains. These findings are consistent with the SWV observation facts, which not only adequately explain the physical formation mechanisms and processes of SWVs, but also present the formation location and seasonal distribution of SWVs. Meanwhile, a solution from laminar to vortex in circumflow motion is also presented.
Calculation of Low-Energy Positron-Atom Scattering with Square-Integrable Wavefunctions
Authors: Gregg Sarah , Gribakin Gleb
Published: September 2022

The variational method is applied to the low-energy positron scattering and annihilation problem. The ultimate aim of the investigation is to find a computationally economical way of accounting for strong electron–positron correlations, including the effect of virtual positronium formation. The method is applied to the study of elastic s-wave positron scattering from a hydrogen atom. A generalized eigenvalue problem is set up and solved to obtain s-wave positron–hydrogen scattering phase shifts within 8×10−3 rad of accepted values. This is achieved using a small number of terms in the variational wavefunction; in particular, only nine terms that depend on the electron–positron distance are included. The annihilation parameter Zeff is also calculated and is found to be in good agreement with benchmark calculations.
State of Health Trajectory Prediction Based on Multi-Output Gaussian Process Regression for Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Deng Zhongwei , Li Jinwen , Peng Kaile , Xu Lijun , Guan Guoqing , Abudula Abuliti
Published: September 2022

Lithium-ion battery state of health (SOH) accurate prediction is of great significance to ensure the safe reliable operation of electric vehicles and energy storage systems. However, safety issues arising from the inaccurate estimation and prediction of battery SOH have caused widespread concern in academic and industrial communities. In this paper, a method is proposed to build an accurate SOH prediction model for battery packs based on multi-output Gaussian process regression (MOGPR) by employing the initial cycle data of the battery pack and the entire life cycling data of battery cells. Firstly, a battery aging experimental platform is constructed to collect battery aging data, and health indicators (HIs) that characterize battery aging are extracted. Then, the correlation between the HIs and the battery capacity is evaluated by the Pearson correlation analysis method, and the HIs that own a strong correlation to the battery capacity are screened. Finally, two MOGPR models are constructed to predict the HIs and SOH of the battery pack. Based on the first MOGPR model and the early HIs of the battery pack, the future cycle HIs can be predicted. In addition, the predicted HIs and the second MOGPR model are used to predict the SOH of the battery pack. The experimental results verify that the approach has a competitive performance; the mean and maximum values of the mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) are 1.07% and 1.42%, and 1.77% and 2.45%, respectively.
Identification of the Factor That Leads Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lines into Decellularized Bone
Authors: Koyanagi Anri , Onishi Iichiroh , Muraoka Karin , Sato Ikue , Sato Shingo , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Kishida Akio , Yamamoto Kouhei , Kitagawa Masanobu , Kurata Morito
Published: September 2022

Hematopoiesis is maintained by the interaction of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone marrow microenvironments, called niches. Certain genetic mutations in MSCs, not HSCs, provoke some hematopoietic neoplasms, such as myelodysplastic syndrome. An in vivo bone marrow niche model using human MSC cell lines with specific genetic mutations and bone scaffolds is necessary to elucidate these interactions and the disease onset. We focused on decellularized bone (DCB) as a useful bone scaffold and attempted to induce human MSCs (UE7T-9 cells) into the DCB. Using the CRISPR activation library, we identified SHC4 upregulation as a candidate factor, with the SHC4 overexpression in UE7T-9 cells activating their migratory ability and upregulating genes to promote hematopoietic cell migration. This is the first study to apply the CRISPR library to engraft cells into decellularized biomaterials. SHC4 overexpression is essential for engrafting UE7T-9 cells into DCB, and it might be the first step toward creating an in vivo human–mouse hybrid bone marrow niche model.
Altered Microcirculation in Alzheimer’s Disease Assessed by Machine Learning Applied to Functional Thermal Imaging Data
Authors: Perpetuini David , Filippini Chiara , Zito Michele , Cardone Daniela , Merla Arcangelo
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive memory failures accompanied by microcirculation alterations. Particularly, impaired endothelial microvascular responsiveness and altered flow motion patterns have been observed in AD patients. Of note, the endothelium influences the vascular tone and also the small superficial blood vessels, which can be evaluated through infrared thermography (IRT). The advantage of IRT with respect to other techniques relies on its contactless features and its capability to preserve spatial information of the peripheral microcirculation. The aim of the study is to investigate peripheral microcirculation impairments in AD patients with respect to age-matched healthy controls (HCs) at resting state, through IRT and machine learning (ML) approaches. Particularly, several classifiers were tested, employing as regressors the power of the nose tip temperature time course in different physiological frequency bands. Among the ML classifiers tested, the Decision Tree Classifier (DTC) delivered the best cross-validated accuracy (accuracy = 82%) when discriminating between AD and HCs. The results further demonstrate the alteration of microvascular patterns in AD in the early stages of the pathology, and the capability of IRT to assess vascular impairments. These findings could be exploited in clinical practice, fostering the employment of IRT as a support for the early diagnosis of AD.
State of the Art: Lung Cancer Staging Using Updated Imaging Modalities
Authors: Batouty Nihal M. , Saleh Gehad A. , Sharafeldeen Ahmed , Kandil Heba , Mahmoud Ali , Shalaby Ahmed , Yaghi Maha , Khelifi Adel , Ghazal Mohammed , El-Baz Ayman
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer is among the most common mortality causes worldwide. This scientific article is a comprehensive review of current knowledge regarding screening, subtyping, imaging, staging, and management of treatment response for lung cancer. The traditional imaging modality for screening and initial lung cancer diagnosis is computed tomography (CT). Recently, a dual-energy CT was proven to enhance the categorization of variable pulmonary lesions. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends usage of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) in concert with CT to properly stage lung cancer and to prevent fruitless thoracotomies. Diffusion MR is an alternative to FDG PET/CT that is radiation-free and has a comparable diagnostic performance. For response evaluation after treatment, FDG PET/CT is a potent modality which predicts survival better than CT. Updated knowledge of lung cancer genomic abnormalities and treatment regimens helps to improve the radiologists’ skills. Incorporating the radiologic experience is crucial for precise diagnosis, therapy planning, and surveillance of lung cancer.