bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adding a Second iTBS Block in 15 or 60 Min Time Interval Does Not Increase iTBS Effects on Motor Cortex Excitability and the Responder Rates
Authors: Bakulin Ilya , Zabirova Alfiia , Sinitsyn Dmitry , Poydasheva Alexandra , Lagoda Dmitry , Suponeva Natalia , Piradov Michael
Published: August 2022

The use of metaplasticity-based intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) protocols including several stimulation blocks could be a possible approach to increasing stimulation effectiveness. Our aim was to investigate the neurophysiological effects of two protocols with a short and a long interval between blocks. Seventeen healthy volunteers received four protocols in a pseudorandomized order: iTBS 0-15 (two blocks of active iTBS of primary motor cortex (M1) separated by 15 min and a control stimulation block of the vertex in 60 min from the first block); iTBS 0-60 (active iTBS, a control block in 15 min, and an active block in 60 min); iTBS 0 (active iTBS and two control blocks with the same intervals); and Control (three control blocks). The motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were measured before the first and after the second and third blocks. We have shown no significant differences between the effects of the protocols on both the motor cortex excitability and the responder rates. No significant changes of MEPs were observed after all the protocols. The reliability for the responsiveness to a single block between two sessions was insignificant. Our data confirm low reproducibility of the response to iTBS and suggest that the use of repeated protocols does not increase the responder rates or neurophysiological effects of iTBS.
“Don’t Get Your Meat Where You Get Your Bread”: Beliefs and Advice about Workplace Romance
Authors: La France Betty H.
Published: August 2022

This investigation identified contemporary beliefs about workplace romance and compared how those beliefs have changed since 1986. Different kinds of advice about workplace romance, and how that advice was related to extant beliefs, were also evaluated. A nationwide sample (N = 259) of organizational members with a variety of professional experiences responded to an anonymous online survey. Results indicated that there were three fundamental underlying beliefs about workplace romance: workplace romance is valuable, the right to demand privacy about workplace romance, and anti-workplace romance. Different types of advice—encouraging, warning, gender concern, and silence—were related to these existing beliefs. The substantial associations between beliefs and advice provide evidence for an implicit theory of workplace romance. Personal experience with such relationships was strongly related to the belief that workplace romance is valuable and the right to demand privacy about workplace romance. Additionally, personal experience was also associated with providing advice promoting workplace romance and advocating that employees should remain silent about engaging in such relationships. These results are discussed within the theoretical lens of boundary blending between the work sphere and the private sphere of social life.
The Influence of Wind Direction on the Inelastic Responses of a Base-Isolated Square Section High-Rise Building
Authors: Pang Huawei , Yang Qingshan , Liu Min , Hui Yi , Cheng Baolong
Published: August 2022

Previous studies show that the largest wind-induced response of a square section fixed-base high-rise building occurs when the strong wind is blowing perpendicular onto a building face, and the greatest translational response is likely to occur in the crosswind direction. When it comes to a square section base-isolated high-rise building that allows the isolation system to yield under strong wind excitation, the inelastic response shows distinctive non-Gaussian characteristics under fluctuating wind excitation and mean drift phenomenon under non-zero mean wind load. These characteristics may lead to a quite different result when determining the most unfavorable wind direction. Thus, the influence of wind direction on the inelastic response of a square base-isolated high-rise building is discussed in this study based on synchronous pressure measurement. The multi-story superstructure is modeled as a linear elastic shear building, while the isolation system is represented in a bilinear hysteresis restoring force model. The peak value of the inelastic response is estimated through a moment-based Hermit model from an underlying standard Gaussian process. The results show that when the strong wind blows perpendicular onto a building face, the greatest inelastic displacement, both at the top and isolation level, occurs in the along-wind direction, which is different from the elastic response. With the change of wind direction, the largest combined inelastic displacement still occurs when the wind inclination angle is 0°, while the combined displacement in other directions is also very large, which is worthy of concern.
Numerical Solutions for Chloride Diffusion Fluctuation in RC Elements from Corrosion Probability Assessments
Authors: Zacchei Enrico , Nogueira Caio Gorla
Published: August 2022

Mechanical diffusion of chloride ions in reinforced concrete (RC) structures varies in time and space, and depends on uncertain factors such as material properties, temperature, humidity, and aging. In this paper, different scenarios considering the time of corrosion initiation and the influence of the chloride diffusion coefficient for different loadings (i.e., constant, sinusoidal, Gaussian, and random) were proposed. Stochastic analyses were carried out to estimate the probability of failure of steel bars, and to evaluate the influences of the internal and external factors. Advanced numerical solutions were developed to account for these influences under non-constant diffusion coefficient and non-steady-state condition. Results show that the chloride content can assume low values by using the oscillations of the generic function (e.g., sinusoidal and general) instead of constant function. The influence of the temperature appears relevant. The 3D analyses, considering the random variability, show that chloride content can be higher than ~1.50 compared to chloride content using traditional approaches. Stochastic approaches plus advanced solutions allow, in a more complete way, the sustainability decision-making process during the design phase, maintenance, inspections, and repair.
Discovery and Validation of Clinically Relevant Long Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Snyder Madison , Iraola-Guzmán Susana , Saus Ester , Gabaldón Toni
Published: August 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, with nearly two million newly diagnosed cases each year. The survival of patients with CRC greatly depends on the cancer stage at the time of diagnosis, with worse prognosis for more advanced cases. Consequently, considerable effort has been directed towards improving population screening programs for early diagnosis and identifying prognostic markers that can better inform treatment strategies. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized as promising molecules, with diagnostic and prognostic potential in many cancers, including CRC. Although large-scale genome and transcriptome sequencing surveys have identified many lncRNAs that are altered in CRC, most of their roles in disease onset and progression remain poorly understood. Here, we critically review the variety of detection methods and types of supporting evidence for the involvement of lncRNAs in CRC. In addition, we provide a reference catalog that features the most clinically relevant lncRNAs in CRC. These lncRNAs were selected based on recent studies sorted by stringent criteria for both supporting experimental evidence and reproducibility.
Prognosis after Palliative Surgery for Patients with Spinal Metastasis: Comparison of Predicted and Actual Survival
Authors: Nakajima Hideaki , Watanabe Shuji , Honjoh Kazuya , Izubuchi Yuya , Watanabe Yumiko , Tanaka Takaaki , Matsumine Akihiko
Published: August 2022

Prediction of prognosis is a key factor in therapeutic decision making due to recent the development of therapeutic options for spinal metastases. The aim of the study was to examine predictive scoring systems and identify prognostic factors for 6–month mortality after palliative surgery. The participants were 75 patients with spinal metastases who underwent palliative surgery and had a minimum follow–up period of 1 year. Associations of actual survival with categories based on the revised Tokuhashi score and new Katagiri score were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for 6–month mortality after palliative surgery. The median actual survival period was longer than those predicted using the scoring systems. However, 21.3% of patients died of cancers within 6 months after surgery. A higher CRP/albumin ratio (odds ratio: 0.39; cut–off 0.409) and absence of postoperative adjuvant therapy (odds ratio: 7.15) were independent risk factors for 6–month mortality. There was no association of mortality with primary site, severity of sarcopenia, or other biomarkers. These results suggest that careful consideration is needed to determine whether palliative surgery is the best option for patients with a high preoperative CRP/albumin ratio and/or absence of postoperative adjuvant therapy, regardless of predictions made from scoring systems.
Blocking Studies to Evaluate Receptor-Specific Radioligand Binding in the CAM Model by PET and MR Imaging
Authors: Löffler Jessica , Herrmann Hendrik , Scheidhauer Ellen , Wirth Mareike , Wasserloos Anne , Solbach Christoph , Glatting Gerhard , Beer Ambros J. , Rasche Volker , Winter Gordon
Published: August 2022

Inhibition studies in small animals are the standard for evaluating the specificity of newly developed drugs, including radiopharmaceuticals. Recently, it has been reported that the tumor accumulation of radiotracers can be assessed in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model with similar results to experiments in mice, such contributing to the 3Rs principles (reduction, replacement, and refinement). However, inhibition studies to prove receptor-specific binding have not yet been performed in the CAM model. Thus, in the present work, we analyzed the feasibility of inhibition studies in ovo by PET and MRI using the PSMA-specific ligand [18F]siPSMA-14 and the corresponding inhibitor 2-PMPA. A dose-dependent blockade of [18F]siPSMA-14 uptake was successfully demonstrated by pre-dosing with different inhibitor concentrations. Based on these data, we conclude that the CAM model is suitable for performing inhibition studies to detect receptor-specific binding. While in the later stages of development of novel radiopharmaceuticals, testing in rodents will still be necessary for biodistribution analysis, the CAM model is a promising alternative to mouse experiments in the early phases of compound evaluation. Thus, using the CAM model and PET and MR imaging for early pre-selection of promising radiolabeled compounds could significantly reduce the number of animal experiments.
Emotion Regulation Flexibility and Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Framework for Understanding Symptoms and Affect Dynamics in Pediatric Psycho-Oncology
Authors: Mirzaie Kasra , Burns-Gebhart Anna , Meyerheim Marcel , Sander Annette , Graf Norbert
Published: August 2022

Emotion dysregulation is regarded as a driving mechanism for the development of mental health problems and psychopathology. The role of emotion regulation (ER) in the management of cancer distress and quality of life (QoL) has recently been recognized in psycho-oncology. The latest technological advances afford ways to assess ER, affective experiences and QoL in child, adolescent and young adult (CAYA) cancer patients through electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) in their daily environment in real-time. Such tools facilitate ways to study the dynamics of affect and the flexibility of ER. However, technological advancement is not risk-free. We critically review the literature on ePRO in cancer existing models of ER in pediatric psycho-oncology and analyze strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of ePRO with a focus on CAYA cancer research and care. Supported by personal study-based experiences, this narrative review serves as a foundation to propose a novel methodological and metatheoretical framework based on: (a) an extended notion of ER, which includes its dynamic, adaptive and flexible nature and focuses on processes and conditions rather than fixed categorical strategies; (b) ePRO as a means to measure emotion regulation flexibility and affect dynamics; (c) identifying early warning signals for symptom change via ePRO and building forecasting models using dynamical systems theory.
Facile Synthesis of n-Fe3O4/ACF Functional Cathode for Efficient Dye Degradation through Heterogeneous E-Fenton Process
Authors: Peng Wei , Niu Wenjun , Paerhati Sidike , Guo Wenjian , Ma Jingui , Hou Junwei
Published: August 2022

In order to put forward an efficient and eco-friendly approach to degrade dye-containing industrial effluents, an n-Fe3O4/ACF nanocomposite was synthesized using the facile precipitation method and applied as a functional cathode for a heterogeneous electro-Fenton (E-Fenton) process. In particular, optimal initial pH value, current density, pole plate spacing, and electrode area were confirmed through systematical experiments as 5.73, 30 mA/cm2, 3 cm, and 2 × 2 cm2, respectively. Under such optimal reaction conditions, 98% of the methylene blue (MB) was degraded by n-Fe3O4/ACF after 2 h of E-Fenton treatment. In addition, n-Fe3O4/ACF could still decolor about 90% of the methylene blue (MB) for five rounds with some reductions in efficiency. Furthermore, results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and heterogeneous E-Fenton performance tests indicated that the loading of metal material Fe3O4 could enhance the overall electron transport capacity, which could accelerate the whole degradation processes. Moreover, the rich pores and large specific surface area of n-Fe3O4/ACF provided many active sites, which could greatly improve the efficiency of O2 reduction, promote the generation of H2O2, and shorten the reaction length between •OH and the pollutant groups.
Integration of Human Protein Sequence and Protein-Protein Interaction Data by Graph Autoencoder to Identify Novel Protein-Abnormal Phenotype Associations
Authors: Liu Yuan , He Ruirui , Qu Yingjie , Zhu Yuan , Li Dianke , Ling Xinping , Xia Simin , Li Zhenqiu , Li Dong
Published: August 2022

Understanding gene functions and their associated abnormal phenotypes is crucial in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment against diseases. The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) is a standardized vocabulary for describing the phenotype abnormalities associated with human diseases. However, the current HPO annotations are far from completion, and only a small fraction of human protein-coding genes has HPO annotations. Thus, it is necessary to predict protein-phenotype associations using computational methods. Protein sequences can indicate the structure and function of the proteins, and interacting proteins are more likely to have same function. It is promising to integrate these features for predicting HPO annotations of human protein. We developed GraphPheno, a semi-supervised method based on graph autoencoders, which does not require feature engineering to capture deep features from protein sequences, while also taking into account the topological properties in the protein–protein interaction network to predict the relationships between human genes/proteins and abnormal phenotypes. Cross validation and independent dataset tests show that GraphPheno has satisfactory prediction performance. The algorithm is further confirmed on automatic HPO annotation for no-knowledge proteins under the benchmark of the second Critical Assessment of Functional Annotation, 2013–2014 (CAFA2), where GraphPheno surpasses most existing methods. Further bioinformatics analysis shows that predicted certain phenotype-associated genes using GraphPheno share similar biological properties with known ones. In a case study on the phenotype of abnormality of mitochondrial respiratory chain, top prioritized genes are validated by recent papers. We believe that GraphPheno will help to reveal more associations between genes and phenotypes, and contribute to the discovery of drug targets.
Upregulation of Phospholipase C Gene Expression Due to Norepinephrine-Induced Hypertrophic Response
Authors: Tappia Paramjit S. , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: August 2022

The activation of phospholipase C (PLC) is thought to have a key role in the cardiomyocyte response to several different hypertrophic agents such as norepinephrine, angiotensin II and endothelin-1. PLC activity results in the generation of diacylglycerol and inositol trisphosphate, which are downstream signal transducers for the expression of fetal genes, increased protein synthesis, and subsequent cardiomyocyte growth. In this article, we describe the signal transduction elements that regulate PLC gene expression. The discussion is focused on the norepinephrine- α1-adrenoceptor signaling pathway and downstream signaling processes that mediate an upregulation of PLC isozyme gene expression. Evidence is also indicated to demonstrate that PLC activities self-regulate the expression of PLC isozymes with the suggestion that PLC activities may be part of a coordinated signaling process for the perpetuation of cardiac hypertrophy. Accordingly, from the information provided, it is plausible that specific PLC isozymes could be targeted for the mitigation of cardiac hypertrophy.
Pathophysiology of Pulmonary Fibrosis in the Context of COVID-19 and Implications for Treatment: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tran Son , Ksajikian Andre , Overbey Juliana , Li Patrick , Li Yong
Published: August 2022

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a feared outcome of many pulmonary diseases which results in a reduction in lung compliance and capacity. The development of PF is relatively rare, but it can occur secondary to viral pneumonia, especially COVID-19 infection. While COVID-19 infection and its complications are still under investigation, we can look at a similar outbreak in the past to gain better insight as to the expected long-term outcomes of COVID-19 patient lung function. In the current article, we review the literature relative to PF via PubMed. We also performed a literature search for COVID-related pathological changes in the lungs. Finally, the paper was reviewed and summarized based on the studies’ integrity, relative, or power calculations. This article provides a narrative review that endeavors to elucidate the current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PF and therapeutic strategies. We also discussed the potential for preventing progression to the fibrotic state within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the massive scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect there should more instances of PF due to COVID-19 infection. Patients who survive severe COVID-19 infection may suffer from a high incidence of PF.
Modulation of Fibroblast Phenotype by Colorectal Cancer Cell-Secreted Factors Is Mostly Independent of Oncogenic KRAS
Authors: Dias Carvalho Patrícia , Mendonça Susana , Martins Flávia , Oliveira Maria José , Velho Sérgia
Published: August 2022

KRAS mutations have been shown to extend their oncogenic effects beyond the cancer cell, influencing the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we studied the impact of mutant KRAS on the modulation of the pro-tumorigenic properties of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), including α-SMA expression, TGFβ1 and HGF production, extracellular matrix components and metalloproteinases expression as well as collagen contraction and migration capacities. To do so, CCD-18Co normal-like colon fibroblasts were challenged with conditioned media from control and KRAS silenced colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Our results showed that the mutant KRAS CRC cell-secreted factors were capable of turning normal-like fibroblasts into CAF-like by modulating the α-SMA expression, TGFβ1 and HGF production and migration capacity. Oncogenic KRAS played a secondary role as its silencing did not completely impair the capacity of CRC cells to modulate most of the fibroblast properties analyzed. In summary, our work suggests that mutant KRAS does not play a major role in controlling the CRC cell-secreted factors that modulate the behavior of fibroblasts. The fact that CRC cells retain the capacity to modulate the pro-tumorigenic features of fibroblasts independently of KRAS silencing is likely to negatively impact their response to KRAS inhibitors, thus standing as a putative mechanism of resistance to KRAS inhibition with potential therapeutical relevance.
Effects of Extracellular Vesicles from Osteogenic Differentiated Human BMSCs on Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation Capacity of Naïve Human BMSCs
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Stöckl Sabine , Li Shushan , Herrmann Marietta , Lukas Christoph , Reinders Yvonne , Sickmann Albert , Grässel Susanne
Published: August 2022

Osteoporosis, or steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the hip, is accompanied by increased bone marrow adipogenesis. Such a disorder of adipogenic/osteogenic differentiation, affecting bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), contributes to bone loss during aging. Here, we investigated the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from human (h)BMSCs during different stages of osteogenic differentiation on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacity of naïve (undifferentiated) hBMSCs. We observed that all EV groups increased viability and proliferation capacity and suppressed the apoptosis of naïve hBMSCs. In particular, EVs derived from hBMSCs at late-stage osteogenic differentiation promoted the osteogenic potential of naïve hBMSCs more effectively than EVs derived from naïve hBMSCs (naïve EVs), as indicated by the increased gene expression of COL1A1 and OPN. In contrast, the adipogenic differentiation capacity of naïve hBMSCs was inhibited by treatment with EVs from osteogenic differentiated hBMSCs. Proteomic analysis revealed that osteogenic EVs and naïve EVs contained distinct protein profiles, with pro-osteogenic and anti-adipogenic proteins encapsulated in osteogenic EVs. We speculate that osteogenic EVs could serve as an intercellular communication system between bone- and bone-marrow adipose tissue, for transporting osteogenic factors and thus favoring pro-osteogenic processes. Our data may support the theory of an endocrine circuit with the skeleton functioning as a ductless gland.
Molluscan RXR Transcriptional Regulation by Retinoids in a Drosophila CNS Organ Culture System
Authors: de Hoog Eric , Saba Echezarreta Victoria Elda , Turgambayeva Anel , Foran Gregory , Megaly Marvel , Necakov Aleksandar , Spencer Gaynor E.
Published: August 2022

Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, is important for the appropriate development of the nervous system (e.g., neurite outgrowth) as well as for cognition (e.g., memory formation) in the adult brain. We have shown that many of the effects of retinoids are conserved in the CNS of the mollusc, Lymnaea stagnalis. RXRs are predominantly nuclear receptors, but the Lymnaea RXR (LymRXR) exhibits a non-nuclear distribution in the adult CNS, where it is also implicated in non-genomic retinoid functions. As such, we developed a CNS Drosophila organ culture-based system to examine the transcriptional activity and ligand-binding properties of LymRXR, in the context of a live invertebrate nervous system. The novel ligand sensor system was capable of reporting both the expression and transcriptional activity of the sensor. Our results indicate that the LymRXR ligand sensor mediated transcription following activation by both 9-cis RA (the high affinity ligand for vertebrate RXRs) as well as the vertebrate RXR synthetic agonist, SR11237. The LymRXR ligand sensor was also activated by all-trans RA, and to a much lesser extent by the vertebrate RAR synthetic agonist, EC23. This sensor also detected endogenous retinoid-like activity in the CNS of developing Drosophila larvae, primarily during the 3rd instar larval stage. These data indicate that the LymRXR sensor can be utilized not only for characterization of ligand activation for studies related to the Lymnaea CNS, but also for future studies of retinoids and their functions in Drosophila development.
Emerging Role of Biosensors and Chemical Indicators to Monitor the Quality and Safety of Meat and Meat Products
Authors: Nanda Pramod Kumar , Bhattacharya Dipanwita , Das Jyotishka Kumar , Bandyopadhyay Samiran , Ekhlas Daniel , Lorenzo Jose M. , Dandapat Premanshu , Alessandroni Laura , Das Arun K. , Gagaoua Mohammed
Published: August 2022

The meat industry requires prompt and effective control measures to guarantee the quality and safety of its products and to avert the incidence of foodborne illnesses and disease outbreaks. Although standard microbiological methods and conventional analytical techniques are employed to monitor the quality and safety, these procedures are tedious and time-consuming, require skilled technicians, and sophisticated instruments. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop simple, fast, and user-friendly hand-held devices for real-time monitoring of the quality of meat and meat products in the supply chain. Biosensors and chemical indicators, due to their high sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and stability, are emerging as promising tools and have the potential for monitoring and controlling the quality (freshness and sensory traits such as tenderness) and safety (metabolites, contaminants, pathogens, drug residues, etc.) of muscle foods. In this review, the application of biosensors in the meat industry and their emerging role in the quantification of key meat quality components are discussed. Furthermore, the role of different biosensors to identify and detect contaminants, adulterants, pathogens, antibiotics, and drug residues in meat and meat products is also summarized.
Effects of Participating in Martial Arts in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stamenković Aleksandar , Manić Mila , Roklicer Roberto , Trivić Tatjana , Malović Pavle , Drid Patrik
Published: August 2022

Background: The application of various martial arts programs can greatly contribute to improving the of physical fitness of preschool and school children. The purpose of this review paper was to determine the effects and influence that martial arts program intervention has on children’s physical fitness, which includes motor skills and the aerobic and anaerobic abilities of children. Method: We searched the following electronic scientific databases for articles published in English from January 2006 to April 2021 to gather data for this review paper: Google Scholar, Pub Med, and Web of Science. Results: After the search was completed, 162 studies were identified, of which 16 studies were selected and were systematically reviewed and analyzed. Eight studies included karate programs, four studies included judo programs, two studies contained aikido programs, and two studies contained taekwondo programs. The total number of participants was 1615 (experimental group = 914, control group = 701). Based on the main findings, karate, judo, taekwondo, and aikido programs showed positive effects on the physical fitness of the experimental group of children. According to the results, the effects of these programs showed statistically significant improvements between the initial and final measurements of most of the examined experimental groups. Conclusion: We concluded that martial arts programs were helpful for improving the physical fitness of preschool and school children, especially for parameters such as cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.
Clinical and Molecular Implications of Osteopontin in Heart Failure
Authors: Mamazhakypov Argen , Sartmyrzaeva Meerim , Sarybaev Akpay Sh. , Schermuly Ralph , Sydykov Akylbek
Published: August 2022

The matricellular protein osteopontin modulates cell–matrix interactions during tissue injury and healing. A complex multidomain structure of osteopontin enables it not only to bind diverse cell receptors but also to interact with various partners, including other extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, and growth factors. Numerous studies have implicated osteopontin in the development and progression of myocardial remodeling in diverse cardiac diseases. Osteopontin influences myocardial remodeling by regulating extracellular matrix production, the activity of matrix metalloproteinases and various growth factors, inflammatory cell recruitment, myofibroblast differentiation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and myocardial vascularization. The exploitation of osteopontin loss- and gain-of-function approaches in rodent models provided an opportunity for assessment of the cell- and disease-specific contribution of osteopontin to myocardial remodeling. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledge on osteopontin regulation and its impact on various cardiac diseases, as well as delineate complex disease- and cell-specific roles of osteopontin in cardiac pathologies. We also discuss the current progress of therapeutics targeting osteopontin that may facilitate the development of a novel strategy for heart failure treatment.
Blepharoconjunctivitis and Otolaryngological Disease Trends in the Context of Mask Wearing during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Koshevarova Victoria A. , Westenhaver Zack K. , Schmitz-Brown Mary , McKinnon Brian J. , Merkley Kevin H. , Gupta Praveena K.
Published: August 2022

(1) Purpose: In 2020, wearing of face masks was mandated in the United States in an effort to lessen transmission of the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; however, long-term mask wearing may present with unintended side-effects in both ophthalmic and otolaryngologic clinical practice. This study aims to examine if mask wearing increased the incidence of primarily chalazion, blepharoconjunctivitis, and rhinitis occurrence during the mask-mandated COVID-19 pandemic period. (2) Methods: Medical records from tertiary academic center clinics were analyzed for incidence of ophthalmic and otolaryngologic diagnoses of interest (blepharoconjunctivitis- and rhinitis-related disorders). Data were collected from a pre-pandemic (March 2019–February 2020) and a mid-pandemic window (March 2020–February 2021) during which widespread mask mandates were implemented in Texas. Comparison was performed using a t-test analysis between incidence of chosen diagnoses during the described time periods. (3) Results: Incidence of ophthalmic disorders (primarily blepharoconjunctivitis and chalazion) in the pre-pandemic versus mid-pandemic windows did show a significant difference (p-value of 0.048). Similarly, comparison of otolaryngologic diagnoses (primarily rhinitis and related conditions) between the two time periods showed a significant difference (p-value of 0.044) as well. (4) Conclusion: Incidence of the chosen ophthalmic and otolaryngologic disorders did increase during periods of mask mandates. While these findings are preliminary, further studies are warranted to understand other factors that may have played a role in eye and nose pathology.
Growth of Highly Transparent Amorphous Carbon Films Using Beam Plasma Source
Authors: Kim Youngsuk , Baule Nina , Shrestha Maheshwar , Fan Qi Hua
Published: August 2022

A single beam plasma source was used to deposit hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) coatings at room temperature. Using methane source gas, a-C:H coatings were deposited at different radio frequency (RF) power to fabricate transparent and durable coatings. The film deposition rate was almost linearly proportional to the ion source power. Hydrogenated amorphous carbon films of ~100 nm thickness appeared to be highly transparent from UV to the infrared range with a transmittance of ~90% and optical bandgap of ~3.7 eV. The coatings also possess desirable mechanical properties with Young’s modulus of ~78 GPa and density of ~1.9 g/cm3. The combined material properties of high transmittance and high durability make the ion-source-deposited a-C:H coatings attractive for many applications.
Tropical Wood Species Recognition: A Dataset of Macroscopic Images
Authors: Cano Saenz Daniel Alejandro , Ordoñez Urbano Carlos Felipe , Gaitan Mesa Holman Raul , Vargas-Cañas Rubiel
Published: August 2022

Forests are of incalculable value due to the ecosystem services they provide to humanity such as carbon storage, climate regulation and participation in the hydrological cycle. The threat to forests grows as the population increases and the activities that are carried out in it, such as: cattle rearing, illegal trafficking, deforestation and harvesting. Moreover, the environmental authorities do not have sufficient capacity to exercise strict control over wood production due to the vast variety of timber species within the countries, the lack of tools to verify timber species in the supply chain and the limited available and labelled digital data of the forest species. This paper presents a set of digital macroscopic images of eleven tropical forest species, which can be used as support at checkpoints, to carry out studies and research based on macroscopic analysis of cross-sectional images of tree species such as: dendrology, forestry, as well as algorithms of artificial intelligence. Images were acquired in wood warehouses with a digital magnifying glass following a protocol used by the Colombian Ministry of Environment, as well as the USA Forest Services and the International Association of Wood Anatomists. The dataset contains more than 8000 images with resolution of 640 × 480 pixels which includes 3.9 microns per pixel, and an area of (2.5 × 1.9) square millimeters where the anatomical features are exposed. The dataset presents great usability for academics and researchers in the forestry sector, wood anatomists and personnel who work with computational models, without neglecting forest surveillance institutions such as regional autonomous corporations and the Ministry of the Environment.
The Role of ICT Centers in the Management of Distance Education in Palestinian Universities during Emergency Education
Authors: Daher Wajeeh , Ashour Wafaa , Hamdan Rabab
Published: August 2022

The present research intended to verify the role of ICT centers in Palestinian universities in managing the academic process in emergency education due to the pandemic. The research investigated this issue using a descriptive qualitative approach. The data collection was carried out using individual interviews during the first semester of the academic year 2020/2021. The data analysis was carried out using an inductive thematic analysis. The research participants were ten officials in the ICT centers of five universities. The main study findings show that the universities performed several actions in the context of their management of the distance learning processes. These actions targeted quality education by holding workshops for the professional development of the instructor, which resulted in being a main factor in the success of the distance learning process. In addition, the ICT centers were engaged in addressing the communication between the instructor, the student, and officials at the universities. They also addressed strengthening the infrastructure for distance learning in the universities.
Active Teaching Methodologies Improve Cognitive Performance and Attention-Concentration in University Students
Authors: Rodríguez-García Lorena , de la Cruz-Campos Juan-Carlos , Martín-Moya Ricardo , González-Fernández Francisco-Tomás
Published: August 2022

The scientific literature shows a beneficial association between active methodologies and cognitive variables in university students. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between active methodologies in Physical Education and attention and concentration in a group of university students A total of forty-four undergraduate students from Pontifical University of Comillas of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, participated in the present investigation (age: 20.48 ± 1.37 years; height: 170.77 ± 9.11 cm; weight: 68.84 ± 8.29 kg; body mass index: 23.51 ± 1.54). A D2 attention test was used to analyse their selective attention and concentration. Active methodologies were used to improve the students’ physical fitness, reflected in their VO2max, which was evaluated using an incremental cycloergometer test. A correlation analysis performed between the active methodologies used to improve physical fitness measures and the D2 test revealed a negative moderate correlation between HRmax and TR, TA and TR- (r = −0.30, p = 0.04; r = −0.38, p = 0.01; and r = −0.35, p = 0.02, respectively), and a positive moderate correlation between HRmax and C (r = −0.32, p = 0.03). Finally, a negative moderate correlation was found between VT and C (r = −0.48, p = 0.001). This correlation analysis was reinforced by the results of a regression analysis. In summary, the present research revealed that university students with better aerobic fitness, achieved through active methodologies and reflected in VT and higher HRmax, obtained better values in TA, TR and C. University students should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity through active methodologies that tend to increase physical fitness.
An Improved YOLOv5s Algorithm for Object Detection with an Attention Mechanism
Authors: Jiang Tingyao , Li Cheng , Yang Ming , Wang Zilong
Published: August 2022

To improve the accuracy of the You Only Look Once v5s (YOLOv5s) algorithm for object detection, this paper proposes an improved YOLOv5s algorithm, CBAM-YOLOv5s, which introduces an attention mechanism. A convolutional block attention module (CBAM) is incorporated into the YOLOv5s backbone network to improve its feature extraction ability. Furthermore, the complete intersection-over-union (CIoU) loss is used as the object bounding-box regression loss function to accelerate the speed of the regression process. Experiments are carried out on the Pascal Visual Object Classes 2007 (VOC2007) dataset and the Microsoft Common Objects in Context (COCO2014) dataset, which are widely used for object detection evaluations. On the VOC2007 dataset, the experimental results show that compared with those of the original YOLOv5s algorithm, the precision, recall and mean average precision (mAP) of the CBAM-YOLOv5s algorithm are improved by 4.52%, 1.18% and 3.09%, respectively. On the COCO2014 dataset, compared with the original YOLOv5s algorithm, the precision, recall and mAP of the CBAM-YOLOv5s algorithm are increased by 2.21%, 0.88% and 1.39%, respectively.
Medical Data Storage Model Based on an Alliance Chain
Authors: Chang Kejia , Feng Wenlong , Zhang Yu , Zhong Wang , Zheng Xiandong
Published: August 2022

Aiming at the problems of centralized storage, low sharing efficiency, and the security and privacy of traditional medical data, a medical data storage model based on a consortium chain is proposed. First, the Distance algorithm is designed based on the geographical relationship of nodes, which reduces the amount of communication between nodes, improves the communication efficiency between A nodes, and ensures the efficiency and reliability of grouping. Second, the dynamic election is combined with the Distance algorithm to design the election strategy of the primary node, which realizes the scientific and reasonable ranking of the medical nodes, improves the reliability of the selection of the primary node, and ensures the efficiency of the medical nodes in the alliance chain to quickly reach consensus when the medical data are uploaded to the chain. Finally, the model designs a method of information separation, which combines the distributed database IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) with the blockchain, which greatly reduces the pressure of medical data storage in the blockchain and improves the operation efficiency. The experimental results show that the medical data storage model can effectively improve the problem of the sharp increase in the amount of communication between medical nodes in the network and reduce the impact of malicious consensus nodes.
Design Science Research Framework for Performance Analysis Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Muntean Mihaela , Militaru Florin Daniel
Published: August 2022

We propose a methodological framework based on design science research for the design and development of data and information artifacts in data analysis projects, particularly managerial performance analysis. Design science research methodology is an artifact-centric creation and evaluation approach. Artifacts are used to solve real-life business problems. These are key elements of the proposed approach. Starting from the main current approaches of design science research, we propose a framework that contains artifact engineering aspects for a class of problems, namely data analysis using machine learning techniques. Several classification algorithms were applied to previously labelled datasets through clustering. The datasets contain values for eight competencies that define a manager’s profile. These values were obtained through a 360 feedback evaluation. A set of metrics for evaluating the performance of the classifiers was introduced, and a general algorithm was described. Our initiative has a predominant practical relevance but also ensures a theoretical contribution to the domain of study. The proposed framework can be applied to any problem involving data analysis using machine learning techniques.
Rise Time and Peak Current Measurement of ESD Current from Air Discharges with Uncertainty Calculation
Authors: Fotis Georgios , Vita Vasiliki , Maris Theodoros I.
Published: August 2022

The greater number of electrostatic discharges (ESDs) that occur in nature is by air rather than by contact. However, due to low reproducibility in the current of air discharges, the IEC 61000-4-2 defines that the current’s calibration of an ESD gun must be made only for contact discharges. In the work presented here, there is an attempt to improve the poor reproducibility of air discharges by a significant observation derived from ESD measurements and, more specifically, the relationship between the rise time and the peak current for every ESD gun. This fact validated in this paper from current measurements of two different ESD guns will help all who are involved in ESD measurements in EMC laboratories by reducing the existing uncertainty in measurements of air discharges.
Provision of Demand-Side Flexibility through the Integration of Power-to-Gas Technologies in an Electric Steel Mill
Authors: Dock Johannes , Wallner Stefan , Traupmann Anna , Kienberger Thomas
Published: August 2022

EAF steelmaking based on renewable electricity allows for low-CO2 steel production. However, the increased integration of volatile renewable energies into the energy system requires the provision of flexibility options. In view of the substantial oxygen consumption in the steel mill, flexible on-site generation and storage holds a significant potential for demand-side management. The utilization of by-product oxygen from an electrolysis plant not only contributes to load flexibility but also generates a climate-neutral fuel. In the present study, different process layouts are developed based on state-of-the-art technologies. The proposed supply systems for oxygen, hydrogen, and synthetic natural gas are subjected to design and operational optimization and assessed with respect to the overall demand-side flexibility, carbon dioxide emission reduction, and economic viability.
Insights into Heterogeneity and Representative Elementary Volume of Vuggy Dolostones
Authors: Xue Yufang , Cai Zhongxian , Zhang Heng , Liu Qingbing , Chen Lanpu , Gao Jiyuan , Hu Fangjie
Published: August 2022

Carbonate reservoirs commonly have significant heterogeneity and complex pore systems due to the multi-scale characteristic. Therefore, it is quite challenging to predict the petrophysical properties of such reservoirs based on restricted experimental data. In order to study the heterogeneity and size of the representative elementary volume (REV) of vuggy dolostones, a total of 26 samples with pore sizes ranging from micrometers to centimeters were collected from the Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation at the Kalping uplift in the Tarim Basin of northwestern China. In terms of the distribution of pore size and contribution of pores to porosity obtained by medical computed tomography testing, four types of pore systems (Types I–IV) were identified. The heterogeneity of carbonate reservoirs was further quantitatively evaluated by calculating the parameters of pore structure, heterogeneity, and porosity cyclicity. The results indicate that different pore systems yield variable porosities, pore structures, and heterogeneity. The porosity is relatively higher in Type-II and Type-IV samples compared to those of Type-I and Type-III. It is caused by well-developed large vugs in the former two types of samples, which increase porosity and reduce heterogeneity. Furthermore, the REV was calculated by deriving the coefficient of variation. Nine of the twenty-six samples reach the REV within the volume of traditional core plugs, which indicates that the REV sizes of vuggy dolostones are commonly much larger than the volume of traditional core plugs. Finally, this study indicates that REV sizes are affected by diverse factors. It can be effectively predicted by a new model established based on the relationship between REV sizes and quantitative parameters. The correlated coefficient of this model reaches 0.9320. The results of this study give more insights into accurately evaluating the petrophysical properties of vuggy carbonate reservoirs.
The Stress Evolution of Adjacent Working Faces Passing through an Abandoned Roadway and the Damage Depth of the Floor
Authors: Shi Song , Miao Yichen , Wu Haikuan , Xu Zhipeng , Liu Changwu
Published: August 2022

An advanced break or a vast region of pressurisation may occur when the working face passes through an abandoned roadway, resulting in a roof falling or water inrush. The stress evolution of the working face passing through an abandoned roadway in a coal mine was comprehensively discussed using theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field monitoring. In this study, the calculated critical width of the abandoned roadway where the main roof was bound to an advanced break was 5.4 m. Reducing the suspended length of the main roof is beneficial to the stability of the working face’s passage across the abandoned roadway. The maximum abutment stress on the roof occurred at the working face through a semi-abandoned roadway, reaching 44.3 MPa. Subsequently, it decreased sharply until the working face completely passed and returned to the normal level. The damage depths of the floor strata from the field monitoring were 15 and 20 m, which showed that the use of hydraulic fracturing technology combined with floor grouting and hydraulic support for the abandoned roadway was proposed to stabilise the working face for safe mining.