bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase Genes of Chimonanthus praecox, CpCCD7 and CpCCD8, Regulate Shoot Branching in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Xia , Liu Daofeng , Lin Jie , Zhu Ting , Liu Ning , Yang Ximeng , Ma Jing , Sui Shunzhao
Published: August 2021

Strigolactones (SLs) regulate plant shoot development by inhibiting axillary bud growth and branching. However, the role of SLs in wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) shoot branching remains unknown. Here, we identified and isolated two wintersweet genes, CCD7 and CCD8, involved in the SL biosynthetic pathway. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that CpCCD7 and CpCCD8 were down-regulated in wintersweet during branching. When new shoots were formed, expression levels of CpCCD7 and CpCCD8 were almost the same as the control (un-decapitation). CpCCD7 was expressed in all tissues, with the highest expression in shoot tips and roots, while CpCCD8 showed the highest expression in roots. Both CpCCD7 and CpCCD8 localized to chloroplasts in Arabidopsis. CpCCD7 and CpCCD8 overexpression restored the phenotypes of branching mutant max3-9 and max4-1, respectively. CpCCD7 overexpression reduced the rosette branch number, whereas CpCCD8 overexpression lines showed no phenotypic differences compared with wild-type plants. Additionally, the expression of AtBRC1 was significantly up-regulated in transgenic lines, indicating that two CpCCD genes functioned similarly to the homologous genes of the Arabidopsis. Overall, our study demonstrates that CpCCD7 and CpCCD8 exhibit conserved functions in the CCD pathway, which controls shoot development in wintersweet. This research provides a molecular and theoretical basis for further understanding branch development in wintersweet.
Supramolecular Gels Incorporating Cordyline terminalis Leaf Extract as a Polyphenol Release Scaffold for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Nguyen Thi Dieu Phuong , Tran Dieu Linh , Le Thi Phuong , Park Ki Dong , Hoang Thi Thai Thanh
Published: August 2021

Cordyline terminalis leaf extract (aqCT) possesses abundant polyphenols and other bioactive compounds, which are encapsulated in gelatin–polyethylene glycol–tyramine (GPT)/alpha-cyclodextrin (α-CD) gels to form the additional functional materials for biomedical applications. In this study, the gel compositions are optimized, and the GPT/α-CD ratios equal to or less than one half for solidification are found. The gelation time varies from 40.7 min to 5.0 h depending on the increase in GPT/α-CD ratios and aqCT amount. The aqCT extract disturbs the hydrogen bonding and host–guest inclusion of GPT/α-CD gel networks, postponing the gelation. Scanning electron microscope observation shows that all gels with or without aqCT possess a microarchitecture and porosity. GPT/α-CD/aqCT gels could release polyphenols from 110 to 350 nmol/mL at the first hour and sustainably from 5.5 to 20.2 nmol/mL for the following hours, which is controlled by feeding the aqCT amount and gel properties. GPT/α-CD/aqCT gels achieved significant antioxidant activity through a 100% scavenging DPPH radical. In addition, all gels are non-cytotoxic with a cell viability more than 85%. Especially, the GPT3.75α-CD10.5aqCT gels with aqCT amount of 3.1–12.5 mg/mL immensely enhanced the cell proliferation of GPT3.75α-CD10.5 gel without extract. These results suggest that the inherent bioactivities of aqCT endowed the resulting GPT/α-CD/aqCT gels with effective antioxidant and high biocompatibility, and natural polyphenols sustainably release a unique platform for a drug delivery system or other biomedical applications.
Hypomethylated RRBP1 Potentiates Tumor Malignancy and Chemoresistance in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Luo Hao-Lun , Liu Hui-Ying , Chang Yin-Lun , Sung Ming-Tse , Chen Po-Yen , Su Yu-Li , Huang Chun-Chieh , Peng Jei-Ming
Published: August 2021

Ribosome-binding protein 1 (RRBP1) is a potential oncogene in several cancer types. However, the correlation between RRBP1 expression and the prognosis of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains unclear. In this study, we identified that RRBP1 is associated with carcinogenesis and metastasis in UTUC using a methylation profiling microarray. High correlations between RRBP1 and cancer stages, nodal metastasis status, molecular subtypes, and prognosis in bladder urothelial cancer (BLCA) were found. Aberrant DNA methylation in the gene body region of RRBP1 was determined in UTUC tissues by methylation-specific PCR. RRBP1 expression was significantly increased in UTUC tissues and cell lines, as determined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. RRBP1 depletion significantly reduced BFTC909 cell growth induced by specific shRNA. On the other hand, molecular subtype analysis showed that the expression of RRBP1 was associated with genes related to cell proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and basal markers. A patient-derived organoid model was established to analyze patients’ responses to different drugs. The expression of RRBP1 was related to chemoresistance. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that RRBP1 gene body hypomethylation predicts RRBP1 high expression in UTUC. The data highlight the importance of RRBP1 in UTUC malignancy and chemotherapeutic tolerance.
Exact Analysis of the Finite Precision Error Generated in Important Chaotic Maps and Complete Numerical Remedy of These Schemes
Authors: Chalatsis Constantinos , Papaodysseus Constantin , Arabadjis Dimitris , Mamatsis Athanasios Rafail , Karadimas Nikolaos V.
Published: August 2021

A first aim of the present work is the determination of the actual sources of the “finite precision error” generation and accumulation in two important algorithms: Bernoulli’s map and the folded Baker’s map. These two computational schemes attract the attention of a growing number of researchers, in connection with a wide range of applications. However, both Bernoulli’s and Baker’s maps, when implemented in a contemporary computing machine, suffer from a very serious numerical error due to the finite word length. This error, causally, causes a failure of these two algorithms after a relatively very small number of iterations. In the present manuscript, novel methods for eliminating this numerical error are presented. In fact, the introduced approach succeeds in executing the Bernoulli’s map and the folded Baker’s map in a computing machine for many hundreds of thousands of iterations, offering results practically free of finite precision error. These successful techniques are based on the determination and understanding of the substantial sources of finite precision (round-off) error, which is generated and accumulated in these two important chaotic maps.
Image-Based Crack Detection Methods: A Review
Authors: Munawar Hafiz Suliman , Hammad Ahmed W. A. , Haddad Assed , Soares Carlos Alberto Pereira , Waller S. Travis
Published: August 2021

Annually, millions of dollars are spent to carry out defect detection in key infrastructure including roads, bridges, and buildings. The aftermath of natural disasters like floods and earthquakes leads to severe damage to the urban infrastructure. Maintenance operations that follow for the damaged infrastructure often involve a visual inspection and assessment of their state to ensure their functional and physical integrity. Such damage may appear in the form of minor or major cracks, which gradually spread, leading to ultimate collapse or destruction of the structure. Crack detection is a very laborious task if performed via manual visual inspection. Many infrastructure elements need to be checked regularly and it is therefore not feasible as it will require significant human resources. This may also result in cases where cracks go undetected. A need, therefore, exists for performing automatic defect detection in infrastructure to ensure its effectiveness and reliability. Using image processing techniques, the captured or scanned images of the infrastructure parts can be analyzed to identify any possible defects. Apart from image processing, machine learning methods are being increasingly applied to ensure better performance outcomes and robustness in crack detection. This paper provides a review of image-based crack detection techniques which implement image processing and/or machine learning. A total of 30 research articles have been collected for the review which is published in top tier journals and conferences in the past decade. A comprehensive analysis and comparison of these methods are performed to highlight the most promising automated approaches for crack detection.
Composite Score of Readiness (CSR) as Holistic Profiling of Functional Deficits in Footballers Following ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Oleksy Łukasz , Mika Anna , Królikowska Aleksandra , Kuchciak Maciej , Stolarczyk Magda , Kielnar Renata , Racheniuk Henryk , Szczegielniak Jan , Łuszczki Edyta , Stolarczyk Artur
Published: August 2021

Background: The decision to return to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is difficult; thus, coaching staff require a readable, easy-to-use, and holistic indication of an athlete’s readiness to play. Purpose: To present the Composite Score of Readiness (CSR) as a method providing a single score for RTS tests after ACL reconstruction. Methods: The study comprised 65 male football players (age 18–25 years), divided into three groups: ACL group—subjects after ACL rupture and reconstruction, Mild Injury (MI) group—subjects after mild lower limb injuries, and Control (C) group—subjects without injuries. The CSR was calculated based on three performed tests (Y-balance test, Functional Movement Screen, and Tuck Jump Assessment) and expressed as the sum of z-scores. The CSR index allows highlighting an athlete’s functional deficits across tests relative to the evaluated group. Results: The CSR indicated that relative to the group of athletes under the study, similar functional deficits were present. Comparing athletes following ACL reconstruction to both the MI and C groups, in the majority of subjects, the CSR index was below zero. The correlation between CSR and raw tests results indicated that the CSR is most strongly determined by YBT. Conclusion: The CSR is a simple way to differentiate people after serious injuries (with large functional deficits) from people without injuries or with only small deficits. Because the CSR is a single number, it allows us to more easily interpret the value of functional deficits in athletes, compared to rating those deficits based on raw tests results.
Characterization and Prediction of the Clinical Outcome of Intense Pulsed Light-Based Treatment in Dry Eye Associated to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Iradier María T. , del Buey María Ángeles , Peris-Martínez Cristina , Cedano Priscilla , Piñero David P.
Published: August 2021

This non-comparative prospective case series was conducted to characterize the clinical impact of intense pulsed light (IPL)-based treatment in dry eyes associated to Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), defining the predicting factors for a successful outcome with this therapy in a large case series. A total of 390 eyes (195 patients, range: 23–93 years) received four sessions of Optima IPL system (Lumenis, Yokneam, Israel). Significant changes were observed in tear film osmolarity in both eyes (p < 0.001) and in meibum quality (p < 0.001), with more eyes showing clear or yellow secretions after therapy. Mean change in the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was −8.61, ranging from −27.00 to 11.00. This change was significantly correlated with the baseline value of OSDI (r = −0.489, p < 0.001). The change in osmolarity correlated significantly with the baseline osmolarity in both eyes (right r = −0.636, left r = −0.620, p < 0.001). A linear predicting model of the change in OSDI with therapy was obtained: change OSDI = 10.99 − 0.35 × OSDI − 1.03 × NIBUTRE-LE (mean non-invasive break up time of right and left eye) − 2.03 × Meibum quality grade (p = 0.001; R2: 0.325). In conclusion, the improvement in symptomatology achieved with an IPL-based therapy can be predicted at baseline using a linear model considering the level of MGD and the magnitude of OSDI and NIBUT (non-invasive break-up time).
Serum Sclerostin Is Associated with Peripheral and Central Systolic Blood Pressure in Pediatric Patients with Primary Hypertension
Authors: Skrzypczyk Piotr , Ofiara Anna , Szyszka Michał , Stelmaszczyk-Emmel Anna , Górska Elżbieta , Pańczyk-Tomaszewska Małgorzata
Published: August 2021

Recent studies showed the significance of the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and its inhibitor—sclerostin, in the formation of arterial damage, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. The study aimed to assess serum sclerostin concentration and its relationship with blood pressure, arterial damage, and calcium-phosphate metabolism in children and adolescents with primary hypertension (PH). Serum sclerostin concentration (pmol/L) was evaluated in 60 pediatric patients with PH and 20 healthy children. In the study group, we also assessed calcium-phosphate metabolism, office peripheral and central blood pressure, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, and parameters of arterial damage. Serum sclerostin did not differ significantly between patients with PH and the control group (36.6 ± 10.6 vs. 41.0 ± 11.9 (pmol/L), p = 0.119). In the whole study group, sclerostin concentration correlated positively with height Z-score, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase, and negatively with age, peripheral systolic and mean blood pressure, and central systolic and mean blood pressure. In multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and height expressed as Z-scores were the significant determinants of serum sclerostin in the studied children: height Z-score (β = 0.224, (95%CI, 0.017–0.430)), SBP Z-score (β = −0.216, (95%CI, −0.417 to −0.016)). In conclusion, our results suggest a significant association between sclerostin and blood pressure in the pediatric population.
Sleep Disorders in Pediatric Migraine: A Questionnaire-Based Study
Authors: Voci Alessandra , Bruni Oliviero , Ferilli Michela Ada Noris , Papetti Laura , Tarantino Samuela , Ursitti Fabiana , Sforza Giorgia , Vigevano Federico , Mazzone Luigi , Valeriani Massimiliano , Moavero Romina
Published: August 2021

There is a high comorbidity between migraine and sleep disorders (SD), with a mutual dependence between sleep and headache. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between headache features (migraine frequency and severity, migraine equivalents, use and efficacy of treatments) and sleep in pediatric migraine. Parents of children and adolescents with migraine completed the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD) and answered questions about headache characteristics. The presence of SD was defined according to CSHQ score. SD were detected in 72.9% of 140 subjects, but only 5.0% already received a diagnosis. Patients with SD presented statistically significant higher headache frequency (p = 0.031) and higher prevalence of migraine equivalents (p = 0.007). A higher CSHQ total score was associated with higher frequency of severe attacks (p = 0.012) and lower acute drug efficacy (p = 0.003). Significant positive correlations of sleep onset delay, sleep duration and nightwakings subscales with migraine frequency emerged. Our findings indicate that SD are highly prevalent in pediatric migraine and frequently associated with a higher headache severity and lower response to acute therapy, but often remain underdiagnosed. Improving sleep quality could help to reduce migraine intensity and disability and vice versa.
Evaluating Markers of Immune Tolerance and Angiogenesis in Maternal Blood for an Association with Risk of Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Wyatt Michelle A. , Baumgarten Sarah C. , Weaver Amy L. , Van Oort Chelsie C. , Fedyshyn Bohdana , Ruano Rodrigo , Shenoy Chandra C. , Enninga Elizabeth Ann L.
Published: August 2021

Pregnancy loss affects approximately 20% of couples. The lack of a clear cause complicates half of all miscarriages. Early evidence indicates the maternal immune system and angiogenesis regulation are both key players in implantation success or failure. Therefore, this prospective study recruited women in the first trimester with known viable intrauterine pregnancy and measured blood levels of immune tolerance proteins galectin-9 (Gal-9) and interleukin (IL)-4, and angiogenesis proteins (vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) A, C, and D) between 5 and 9 weeks gestation. Plasma concentrations were compared between groups defined based on (a) pregnancy outcome and (b) maternal history of miscarriage, respectively. In total, 56 women were recruited with 10 experiencing a miscarriage or pregnancy loss in the 2nd or 3rd trimester and 11 having a maternal history or miscarriage. VEGF-C was significantly lower among women with a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Gal-9 and VEGF-A concentrations were decreased in women with a prior miscarriage. Identification of early changes in maternal immune and angiogenic factors during pregnancy may be a tool to improve patient counseling on pregnancy loss risk and future interventions to reduce miscarriage in a subset of women.
Comparison of Mechanical Support with Impella or Extracorporeal Life Support in Post-Cardiac Arrest Cardiogenic Shock: A Propensity Scoring Matching Analysis
Authors: Syntila Styliani , Chatzis Georgios , Markus Birgit , Ahrens Holger , Waechter Christian , Luesebrink Ulrich , Divchev Dimitar , Schuett Harald , Tsalouchidou Panagiota-Eleni , Jerrentrup Andreas , Parahuleva Mariana , Schieffer Bernhard , Karatolios Konstantinos
Published: August 2021

Our aim was to compare the outcomes of Impella with extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in patients with post-cardiac arrest cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This was a retrospective study of patients resuscitated from out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with post-cardiac arrest CS following AMI (May 2015 to May 2020). Patients were supported either with Impella 2.5/CP or ECLS. Outcomes were compared using propensity score-matched analysis to account for differences in baseline characteristics between groups. 159 patients were included (Impella, n = 105; ECLS, n = 54). Hospital and 12-month survival rates were comparable in the Impella and the ECLS groups (p = 0.16 and p = 0.3, respectively). After adjustment for baseline differences, both groups demonstrated comparable hospital and 12-month survival (p = 0.36 and p = 0.64, respectively). Impella patients had a significantly greater left ventricle ejection-fraction (LVEF) improvement at 96 h (p < 0.01 vs. p = 0.44 in ECLS) and significantly fewer device-associated complications than ECLS patients (15.2% versus 35.2%, p < 0.01 for relevant access site bleeding, 7.6% versus 20.4%, p = 0.04 for limb ischemia needing intervention). In subgroup analyses, Impella was associated with better survival in patients with lower-risk features (lactate < 8.6 mmol/L, time from collapse to return of spontaneous circulation < 28 min, vasoactive score < 46 and Horowitz index > 182). In conclusion, the use of Impella 2.5/CP or ECLS in post-cardiac arrest CS after AMI was associated with comparable adjusted hospital and 12-month survival. Impella patients had a greater LVEF improvement than ECLS patients. Device-related access-site complications occurred more frequently in patients with ECLS than Impella support.
Mental Pain in Eating Disorders: An Exploratory Controlled Study
Authors: Tomba Elena , Tecuta Lucia , Gardini Valentina , Lo Dato Elena
Published: August 2021

Mental pain (MP) is a transdiagnostic feature characterized by depression, suicidal ideation, emotion dysregulation, and associated with worse levels of distress. The study explores the presence and the discriminating role of MP in EDs in detecting patients with higher depressive and ED-related symptoms. Seventy-one ED patients and 90 matched controls completed a Clinical Assessment Scale for MP (CASMP) and the Mental Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). ED patients also completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Clinical Interview for Depression (CID-20), and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40). ED patients exhibited significantly greater severity and higher number of cases of MP than controls. Moreover, MP resulted the most important cluster predictor followed by BDI-II, CID-20, and EAT-40 in discriminating between patients with different ED and depression severity in a two-step cluster analysis encompassing 87.3% (n = 62) of the total ED sample. Significant positive associations have been found between MP and bulimic symptoms, cognitive and somatic-affective depressive symptoms, suicidal tendencies, and anxiety-related symptoms. In particular, those presenting MP reported significantly higher levels of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms than those without. MP represents a clinical aspect that can help to detect more severe cases of EDs and to better understand the complex interplay between ED and mood symptomatology.
Gallbladder Polyp Classification in Ultrasound Images Using an Ensemble Convolutional Neural Network Model
Authors: Kim Taewan , Choi Young Hoon , Choi Jin Ho , Lee Sang Hyub , Lee Seungchul , Lee In Seok
Published: August 2021

Differential diagnosis of true gallbladder polyps remains a challenging task. This study aimed to differentiate true polyps in ultrasound images using deep learning, especially gallbladder polyps less than 20 mm in size, where clinical distinction is necessary. A total of 501 patients with gallbladder polyp pathology confirmed through cholecystectomy were enrolled from two tertiary hospitals. Abdominal ultrasound images of gallbladder polyps from these patients were analyzed using an ensemble model combining three convolutional neural network (CNN) models and a 5-fold cross-validation. True polyp diagnosis with the ensemble model that learned only using ultrasonography images achieved an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.8960 and accuracy of 83.63%. After adding patient age and polyp size information, the diagnostic performance of the ensemble model improved, with a high specificity of 88.35%, AUC of 0.9082, and accuracy of 87.61%, outperforming the individual CNN models constituting the ensemble model. In the subgroup analysis, the ensemble model showed the best performance with AUC of 0.9131 for polyps larger than 10 mm. Our proposed ensemble model that combines three CNN models classifies gallbladder polyps of less than 20 mm in ultrasonography images with high accuracy and can be useful for avoiding unnecessary cholecystectomy with high specificity.
Comparison of Deep Learning Models for Cervical Vertebral Maturation Stage Classification on Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs
Authors: Seo Hyejun , Hwang JaeJoon , Jeong Taesung , Shin Jonghyun
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the performance of six state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning models for cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) on lateral cephalometric radiographs, and implement visualization of CVM classification for each model using gradient-weighted class activation map (Grad-CAM) technology. A total of 600 lateral cephalometric radiographs obtained from patients aged 6–19 years between 2013 and 2020 in Pusan National University Dental Hospital were used in this study. ResNet-18, MobileNet-v2, ResNet-50, ResNet-101, Inception-v3, and Inception-ResNet-v2 were tested to determine the optimal pre-trained network architecture. Multi-class classification metrics, accuracy, recall, precision, F1-score, and area under the curve (AUC) values from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the performance of the models. All deep learning models demonstrated more than 90% accuracy, with Inception-ResNet-v2 performing the best, relatively. In addition, visualizing each deep learning model using Grad-CAM led to a primary focus on the cervical vertebrae and surrounding structures. The use of these deep learning models in clinical practice will facilitate dental practitioners in making accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Gait Kinetic and Kinematic Changes in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients and the Effect of Manual Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Krekoukias Georgios , Sakellari Vasiliki , Anastasiadi Elisavet , Gioftsos Georgios , Dimitriadis Zacharias , Soultanis Konstantinos , Gelalis Ioannis D.
Published: August 2021

Patients with chronic back pain as a result of degenerated disc disease, besides pain, also present with impaired gait. The purpose of the article was to evaluate kinetic and kinematic characteristics during gait analysis in patients with chronic low back pain as a result of degenerated disc disease, before and after the application of physiotherapy, including manual therapy techniques. Seventy-five patients suffering from chronic low back pain were randomly divided into 3 groups of 25 each. Each group received five sessions (one per week) of interventions with the first group receiving manual therapy treatment, the second a sham treatment and the third, classic physiotherapy (stretching exercises, TENS and massage). The effectiveness of each treatment was evaluated using an optoelectronic system for recording and analysis of gait (kinetic and kinematic data). Patients overall showed an impaired gait pattern with a difference in kinetic and kinematic data between the left and the right side. Following the application of the above-named interventions, only the group that received manual therapy showed a tendency towards symmetry between the right and left side. In patients suffering from chronic low back pain as a result of degenerated disc disease, the application of five manual therapy sessions seems to produce a tendency towards symmetry in gait.
Treatment Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pyo Junhee , Park Hyo-Jung
Published: August 2021

The treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported heterogeneously across clinical trials. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of ICIs in patients with advanced/metastatic CRC. Ovid-Medline was searched to identify clinical trials providing the efficacy outcomes of overall response rate (ORR) or disease control rate (DCR). The pooled ORR and DCR were estimated across all studies and subgroups. Meta-regression was performed to find the influencing factors for treatment efficacy. A total of thirty studies (1870 patients) were eligible. The overall ORR and DCR were 20.1% and 58.5%, respectively, but these results were heterogeneous across studies. Multivariate meta-regression revealed that microsatellite phenotype (odds ratio of MSI-H/dMMR versus MSS/pMMR: 1.67, p < 0.001) and drug regimen (odds ratio of monotherapy versus combination therapy: 1.07, p = 0.019) were the source of heterogeneity and also significantly influenced factors for the efficacy of the treatment. Although the efficacy of ICIs as a first-line therapy was higher than that of ICIs as the second- or more-line therapy (ORR: 51.5% vs. 13.4%, DCR: 85% vs. 49.5%), multivariate regression showed that the line of therapy was not a significant factor for the treatment efficacy. Our study suggests that the microsatellite phenotype and drug regimen, rather than the line of treatment, are the primary factors influencing the treatment response among advanced/metastatic CRC patients treated with an ICI-based regimen.
Difference in Movement between Superficial and Deep Parts of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad during Knee Extension
Authors: Nakanishi Syoya , Morimoto Ryosuke , Kitano Masashi , Kawanishi Kengo , Tanaka Arisa , Kudo Shintarou
Published: August 2021

(1): The superficial and deep parts of the infrapatellar fat pat (IFP) have different morphological and functional characteristics. Knee pain often occurs during movement, and it is important to clarify the movement of the IFP during knee joint movement. The purpose of this study is to clarify that the movement of the superficial and deep parts of the IFP are different during knee extension in vivo using ultrasonography (US). (2): US was performed on 15 knees of 15 healthy adults. The probe was placed longitudinally at the center of the patellar tendon and the IFP was imaged. Measurements were taken during active extension of the knee from 90 degrees to 10 degrees of knee flexion at a rate of 30 times/min. The captured US videos were analyzed using Flow particle image velocimetry (Flow PIV) fluid measurement software. The region-of-interest (ROI) was set at the superficial part and the deep part of the IFP, and the flow velocity was calculated for each. (3): The flow velocity of the deep part (1.37 ± 0.13 cm/s) of the IFP was significantly faster than that of the superficial part (0.80 ± 0.23 cm/s). (4): Our results show that the flow velocity of the IFP is different between the superficial and deep parts and that US may be a better assessment tool for the movement of the IFP.
Desulfurizing of Pyrolysis Oil of Used Tires Using a 3D-Printed Vortex Diode and Modeling of Process
Authors: Uebe Jochen , Kryževičius Žilvinas , Janutėnienė Jolanta , Žukauskaitė Audronė , Bertašius Eugenijus , Rapolavičius Rokas , Jankūnas Valdas , Senulis Audrius
Published: August 2021

The use of pyrolysis oil can be seen as an alternative fuel for maritime transport. However, pyrolysis oil from tires must be desulfurized for this. Recently, this can be done by hydrodynamic cavitation. This process does not require oxidation chemicals but only water, a cavitation generator, and a pump to drive it. In the literature, this concept has been successfully tested on model fuels. In this study, the cavitation generator for the desulfurization of waste tire pyrolysis oil was printed from polylactic acid-based on simulations of the optimal design, which allows for much cheaper production and easy replacement in case of wear or testing of alternative designs. After 60 min of treatment at 5 bar inlet pressure, a desulfurization of almost 33% was achieved. Furthermore, an interaction analysis showed that only from a pyrolysis oil content of 5.5 to 6% does hydrodynamic cavitation have an effective effect on desulfurization.
Research on Operation Safety of Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Mou Junmin , Jia Xuefei , Chen Pengfei , Chen Linying
Published: August 2021

The operation of offshore wind farms is characterized by a complicated operational environment, long project cycle, and complex vessel traffic, which lead to safety hazards. To identify the key factors affecting the operational safety of offshore wind farms, the risk characteristics of offshore wind farm operations are analyzed based on comprehensive identification of hazards and risk assessment theory. A systematic fault tree analysis of the offshore wind farm operation is established. The assessment shows that the key risk factors that induce offshore wind power collapse, corrosion, fire, lightning strikes, blade failure, personal injury, ship collision, and submarine cable damage accidents are gale, untimely overhauling, improper fire stopping methods, high average number of thunderstorm days, the loose internal structure of fan, working at height, collision avoidance failure, and insufficient buried depth of cables.
Urban Land Use Efficiency under Resource-Based Economic Transformation—A Case Study of Shanxi Province
Authors: Ge Xin Janet , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: August 2021

Shanxi, one of China’s provinces, has been approved by the State Council as the only state-level comprehensive reform zone for resource-based economic transformation in 2010. Consequently, the implementation of National Resource-based Cities Sustainable Development Planning (2013–2020) and The State Council on Central and Western Regions Undertaking of Industrial Transformation Guide were also introduced. As a result, many agricultural lands were urbanized. The question is whether the transformed land was used efficiently. Existing research is limited regarding the impact of the government-backed transformation of the resource-based economy, industrial restructuring, and urbanization on land use efficiency. This research investigates urban land use efficiency under the government-backed resource-based economy transformation using the Bootstrap-DEA and Bootstrap-Malmquist methods. The land use efficiency and land productivity indexes were produced. Based on the empirical study of 11 prefectural cities, the results suggest that the level of economic development and industrial upgrading are the main determinants of land use efficiency. The total land productivity index declined after the economic reform was initiated. The findings imply that the government must enhance monitoring and auditing during policy implementation and evaluate the policy effects after for further improvement. With the scarcity of land resources and urban expansion in many cities worldwide, this research also provides an approach to determining the main determinants of land use efficiency that could guide our understanding of the impact of the future built environment.
Evaluating the Microbial Habitability of Rogue Planets and Proposing Speculative Scenarios on How They Might Act as Vectors for Panspermia
Authors: Schulze-Makuch Dirk , Fairén Alberto G.
Published: August 2021

There are two types of rogue planets, sub-brown dwarfs and “rocky” rogue planets. Sub-brown dwarfs are unlikely to be habitable or even host life, but rocky rogue planets may have a liquid ocean under a thick atmosphere or an ice layer. If they are overlain by an insulating ice layer, they are also referred to as Steppenwolf planets. However, given the poor detectability of rocky rogue planets, there is still no direct evidence of the presence of water or ice on them. Here we discuss the possibility that these types of rogue planets could harbor unicellular organisms, conceivably based on a variety of different energy sources, including chemical, osmotic, thermal, and luminous energy. Further, given the theoretically predicted high number of rogue planets in the galaxy, we speculate that rogue planets could serve as a source for galactic panspermia, transferring life to other planetary systems.
Unified Convergence Criteria for Iterative Banach Space Valued Methods with Applications
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K.
Published: August 2021

A plethora of sufficient convergence criteria has been provided for single-step iterative methods to solve Banach space valued operator equations. However, an interesting question remains unanswered: is it possible to provide unified convergence criteria for single-step iterative methods, which are weaker than earlier ones without additional hypotheses? The answer is yes. In particular, we provide only one sufficient convergence criterion suitable for single-step methods. Moreover, we also give a finer convergence analysis. Numerical experiments involving boundary value problems and Hammerstein-like integral equations complete this paper.
Global Stability of Delayed Ecosystem via Impulsive Differential Inequality and Minimax Principle
Authors: Rao Ruofeng
Published: August 2021

This paper reports applying Minimax principle and impulsive differential inequality to derive the existence of multiple stationary solutions and the global stability of a positive stationary solution for a delayed feedback Gilpin–Ayala competition model with impulsive disturbance. The conclusion obtained in this paper reduces the conservatism of the algorithm compared with the known literature, for the impulsive disturbance is not limited to impulsive control.
Mathematical Modelling by Help of Category Theory: Models and Relations between Them
Authors: Legatiuk Dmitrii
Published: August 2021

The growing complexity of modern practical problems puts high demand on mathematical modelling. Given that various models can be used for modelling one physical phenomenon, the role of model comparison and model choice is becoming particularly important. Methods for model comparison and model choice typically used in practical applications nowadays are computation-based, and thus time consuming and computationally costly. Therefore, it is necessary to develop other approaches to working abstractly, i.e., without computations, with mathematical models. An abstract description of mathematical models can be achieved by the help of abstract mathematics, implying formalisation of models and relations between them. In this paper, a category theory-based approach to mathematical modelling is proposed. In this way, mathematical models are formalised in the language of categories, relations between the models are formally defined and several practically relevant properties are introduced on the level of categories. Finally, an illustrative example is presented, underlying how the category-theory based approach can be used in practice. Further, all constructions presented in this paper are also discussed from a modelling point of view by making explicit the link to concrete modelling scenarios.
Effect of Hot-Rolled Heavy Section Bars Post-Deformation Cooling on the Microstructure Refinement and Mechanical Properties of Microalloyed Steels
Authors: Banasiak Monika , Hornik Andrzej , Szczęch Stanisław , Majta Janusz , Kwiecień Marcin , Cebo-Rudnicka Agnieszka , Rywotycki Marcin , Muszka Krzysztof
Published: August 2021

In the industrial practice—especially in the reverse rolling mills—heavy section products with stable mechanical properties (YS, UTS) and ductility (A, Z) but with an impact toughness (KV) at too low levels are often observed. The results presented in the present work concern the relationship between the parameters of the cooling process of rolled products made of microalloyed steels, with different chemical compositions (such as Al-N, Al-N-V, Al-N-Ti) and their mechanical properties. Special focus was put on the relationship between chemical composition, grain size and impact toughness at subzero temperatures. It is shown, that by introducing the restrictions towards more strict control of the levels of Al, Ti, V, and N, it can be ensured that the final parameters are not that sensitive to process parameters variations which, hence, provides the required mechanical properties and especially impacts on the toughness requirements for a wide range of section products. It was also found that by slight modifications of microalloying elements and proper control of the process parameters, it is possible to replace commonly used normalizing annealing heat treatment after rolling with normalizing rolling.
Comparison of a Miniaturized Cassette PCR System with a Commercially Available Platform for Detecting Escherichia coli in Beef Carcass Swabs
Authors: Manage Dammika P. , Lauzon Jana , Pilarski Linda M. , Pilarski Patrick M. , McMullen Lynn M.
Published: August 2021

Detection sensitivity of cassette PCR was compared with a commercial BAX® PCR system for detection of eae and stx genes in Escherichia coli from 806 beef carcass swabs. Cassette PCR detects multiple genetic markers on multiple samples using PCR and melt curve analysis. Conventional PCR served as a gold standard. Overall, for positive and negative concordance, cassette PCR was 98.6% concordant with conventional PCR, and BAX PCR was 65.4% concordant. Of 806 beef carcass swabs, 339 by cassette PCR and 84 by BAX PCR harbored eae + stx+E. coli. For BAX PCR reactions, 84% of eae+ swabs, 79% of stx+ swabs, and 86% of eae + stx+ swabs were also detected by cassette PCR. For cassette PCR reactions, 457 swabs were eae+ with only 117 scored as eae+ using BAX PCR for 26% positive concordance. For stx primers, cassette PCR scored 480 samples as stx+ but only 215 samples were stx+ by BAX PCR, giving 45% positive concordance. Importantly, cassette PCR scored 339 swabs as harboring eae + stx+ E. coli, but BAX PCR detected only 71 positives giving only 21% positive concordance, with many false negatives. Cassette PCR is a highly sensitive method for detection of STEC genes in E. coli found in carcass swabs.
Species of Dickeya and Pectobacterium Isolated during an Outbreak of Blackleg and Soft Rot of Potato in Northeastern and North Central United States
Authors: Curland Rebecca D. , Mainello Amanda , Perry Keith L. , Hao Jianjun , Charkowski Amy O. , Bull Carolee T. , McNally Ryan R. , Johnson Steven B. , Rosenzweig Noah , Secor Gary A. , Larkin Robert P. , Gugino Beth K. , Ishimaru Carol A.
Published: August 2021

An outbreak of bacterial soft rot and blackleg of potato has occurred since 2014 with the epicenter being in the northeastern region of the United States. Multiple species of Pectobacterium and Dickeya are causal agents, resulting in losses to commercial and seed potato production over the past decade in the Northeastern and North Central United States. To clarify the pathogen present at the outset of the epidemic in 2015 and 2016, a phylogenetic study was made of 121 pectolytic soft rot bacteria isolated from symptomatic potato; also included were 27 type strains of Dickeya and Pectobacterium species, and 47 historic reference strains. Phylogenetic trees constructed based on multilocus sequence alignments of concatenated dnaJ, dnaX and gyrB fragments revealed the epidemic isolates to cluster with type strains of D. chrysanthemi, D. dianthicola, D. dadantii, P. atrosepticum, P. brasiliense, P. carotovorum, P. parmentieri, P. polaris, P. punjabense, and P. versatile. Genetic diversity within D. dianthicola strains was low, with one sequence type (ST1) identified in 17 of 19 strains. Pectobacterium parmentieri was more diverse, with ten sequence types detected among 37 of the 2015–2016 strains. This study can aid in monitoring future shifts in potato soft rot pathogens within the U.S. and inform strategies for disease management.
Impact of Full Vaccination with mRNA BNT162b2 on SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Genomic and Subgenomic Viral RNAs Detection in Nasopharyngeal Swab and Saliva of Health Care Workers
Authors: Deiana Michela , Mori Antonio , Piubelli Chiara , Perandin Francesca , Treggiari Davide , Martini Davide , Chesini Fabio , Angheben Andrea , Bonfante Francesco , Terregino Calogero , Bisoffi Zeno , Pomari Elena
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection was monitored in 1898 health care workers (HCWs) after receiving full vaccination with BNT162b2. Untill 30 June 2021, 10 HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using real time RT-PCR, resulting in a 4-month cumulative incidence of 0.005%. The infection was mildly symptomatic in six (60%) and asymptomatic in four (40%) individuals. Among the infected HCWs, eight consenting individuals provided paired NPS and saliva during the course of infection, for the purpose of the analysis performed in the present study. Genomic and subgenomic viral RNAs were investigated using real-time RT-PCR in both biological specimens. The temporal profile of viral load was measured using ddPCR. Viral mutations were also analysed. Subgenomic viral RNA was detected in 8/8 (100%) NPS and in 6/8 (75%) saliva specimens at the baseline. The expression of subgenomic RNA was observed for up to 7 days in 3/8 (38%) symptomatic cases. Moreover, concordance was observed between NPS and saliva in the detection of viral mutations, and both N501Y and 69/70del (associated with the B.1.1.7 variant) were detected in the majority 6/8 (75%) of subjects, while the K417T mutation (associated with the P.1-type variants) was detected in 2/8 (25%) individuals. Overall, our findings report a low frequency of infected HCWs after full vaccination. It is, therefore, important to monitor the vaccinees in order to identify asymptomatic infected individuals. Saliva can be a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, particularly in social settings such as hospitals.
Insights into the Development of Phototrophic Biofilms in a Bioreactor by a Combination of X-ray Microtomography and Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Schaefer Susanne , Walther Jakob , Strieth Dorina , Ulber Roland , Bröckel Ulrich
Published: August 2021

As productive biofilms are increasingly gaining interest in research, the quantitative monitoring of biofilm formation on- or offline for the process remains a challenge. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a fast and often used method for scanning biofilms, but it has difficulty scanning through more dense optical materials. X-ray microtomography (μCT) can measure biofilms in most geometries but is very time-consuming. By combining both methods for the first time, the weaknesses of both methods could be compensated. The phototrophic cyanobacterium Tolypothrix distorta was cultured in a moving bed photobioreactor inside a biocarrier with a semi-enclosed geometry. An automated workflow was developed to process µCT scans of the biocarriers. This allowed quantification of biomass volume and biofilm-coverage on the biocarrier, both globally and spatially resolved. At the beginning of the cultivation, a growth limitation was detected in the outer region of the carrier, presumably due to shear stress. In the later phase, light limitations could be found inside the biocarrier. µCT data and biofilm thicknesses measured by OCT displayed good correlation. The latter could therefore be used to rapidly measure the biofilm formation in a process. The methods presented here can help gain a deeper understanding of biofilms inside a process and detect any limitations.
Contrast-Enhanced Tissue Processing of Fibrillin-Rich Elastic Fibres for 3D Visualization by Volume Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Lewis Philip N. , Young Robert D. , Souza R. B. , Quantock Andrew J. , Meek Keith M.
Published: August 2021

Elastic fibres constitute an important component of the extracellular matrix and currently are the subject of intensive study in order to elucidate their assembly, function and involvement in cell–matrix interactions and disease. However, few studies to date have investigated the 3D architecture of the elastic fibre system in bulk tissue. We describe a protocol for preparation of tissue samples, including primary fixation and backscatter electron contrast-enhancement steps, through dehydration into stable resin-embedded blocks for volume electron microscopy. The use of low molecular weight tannic acid and alcoholic lead staining are critical stages in this procedure. Block preparation by ultramicrotomy and evaporative metal coating prior to microscopical examination are also described. We present images acquired from serial block face scanning electron microscopy of cornea and aorta showing target structures clearly differentiated from cells and other matrix components. The processing method imparts high contrast to fibrillin-containing elastic fibres, thus facilitating their segmentation and rendering into 3D reconstructions by image analysis software from large serial image datasets.