bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decomposition-Based Bayesian Network Structure Learning Algorithm for Abnormity Diagnosis Model for Coal Mill Process
Authors: Chang Yuqing , Liu Leyuan , Kang Xiaoyun , Wang Fuli
Published: November 2022

In the structure learning of the large-scale Bayesian network (BN) model for the coal mill process, taking the view of the problem that the decomposition-based method cannot guarantee the sufficient learning of abnormal state node neighborhood in the diagnosis model, this paper proposes a new BN structure learning method based on decomposition. Firstly, a sketch is constructed based on an improved Markov blanket discovery algorithm and edge thickening and thinning. Second, the node centrality of k-path is used to search the important nodes, and the subgraph decomposition is realized by extracting these important nodes and their neighborhoods from the sketch. Then, through the targeted design of subgraph de-duplication, subgraph learning, and subgraph reorganization methods, the learning of large-scale BN is realized. This method is applied to public data sets, and its advantages and disadvantages are analyzed by comparing them with other methods. The advantage of the BN structure learning method of the abnormal condition diagnosis model is further verified by applying the method to the coal mill process, which is consistent with the original design intention.
Blockchain-Based Trust and Reputation Management in SIoT
Authors: Alam Sana , Zardari Shehnila , Shamsi Jawwad Ahmed
Published: November 2022

In the Social Internet of Things (SIoT), trust refers to the decision-making process used by the trustor (Service Requesters (SRs) or Service Consumers (SCs)) to decide whether or not to entrust the trustee (Service Providers (SPs)) with specific services. Trust is the key factor in SIoT domain. The designing of a two-way, two-stage parameterized feedback-based, service-driven, attacks-resistant trust and reputation system for SIoT accompanied by a penalty mechanism for dishonest SPs and SRs is our main contribution that mitigates the trust-related issues occurring during service provisioning and service acquisition amongst various entities (SPs or SRs) and enhances trust amongst them. Our proposed methodology examines a SP’s local trust, global trust, and reputation by taking into account “Social Trust” and “Quality of Service (QoS)” factors”. Two—Stage Parameterized feedback” is incorporated in our proposed strategy to better manage “intention” and “ability” of SRs and provides early identification of suspicious SRs. This feature compels SRs to act honestly and rate the corresponding SPs in a more accurate way. Our recommended paradigm sorts SPs into three SP status lists (White List, Grey List, and Black List) based on reputation values where each list has a threshold with respect to the maximum service fee that can be charged. SPs in White List charge the most per service. SPs in other lists have a lower selection probability. Every feedback updates the SP’s trust and reputation value. Sorting SPs increases resistance against On Off Attack, Discriminatory Attack, Opportunistic Service Attack, and Selective Behavior Attacks. SPs must operate honestly and offer the complete scope of stated services since their reputation value relies on all their global trust values (Tglobal) for various services. Service requests may be accepted or denied by SPs. “Temporarily banned” SRs can only request unblocked services. SRs lose all privileges once on a “permanently banned” list. If local and global trust values differ by more than the threshold, the SR is banned. Our method also provides resistance against Bad Mouthing Attack, Ballot Stuffing Attack. Good Mouthing Attack/Self—Propagating Attack. Experiments indicate our trust and reputation management system recognizes and bans fraudulent SRs. “Dishonest SPs” are “blacklisted,” which affects their reputation, trust, and service charges.
Bradykinesia Detection in Parkinson’s Disease Using Smartwatches’ Inertial Sensors and Deep Learning Methods
Authors: Sigcha Luis , Domínguez Beatriz , Borzì Luigi , Costa Nélson , Costa Susana , Arezes Pedro , López Juan Manuel , De Arcas Guillermo , Pavón Ignacio
Published: November 2022

Bradykinesia is the defining motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is reflected as a progressive reduction in speed and range of motion. The evaluation of bradykinesia severity is important for assessing disease progression, daily motor fluctuations, and therapy response. However, the clinical evaluation of PD motor signs is affected by subjectivity, leading to intra- and inter-rater variability. Moreover, the clinical assessment is performed a few times a year during pre-scheduled follow-up visits. To overcome these limitations, objective and unobtrusive methods based on wearable motion sensors and machine learning (ML) have been proposed, providing promising results. In this study, the combination of inertial sensors embedded in consumer smartwatches and different ML models is exploited to detect bradykinesia in the upper extremities and evaluate its severity. Six PD subjects and seven age-matched healthy controls were equipped with a consumer smartwatch and asked to perform a set of motor exercises for at least 6 weeks. Different feature sets, data representations, data augmentation methods, and ML models were implemented and combined. Data recorded from smartwatches’ motion sensors, properly augmented and fed to a combination of Convolutional Neural Network and Random Forest model, provided the best results, with an accuracy of 0.86 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94. Results suggest that the combination of consumer smartwatches and ML classification methods represents an unobtrusive solution for the detection of bradykinesia and the evaluation of its severity.
Machine Learning-Assisted Gas-Specific Fingerprint Detection/Classification Strategy Based on Mutually Interactive Features of Semiconductor Gas Sensor Arrays
Authors: Oh Jiwon , Hwang Heesu , Nam Yoonmi , Lee Myeong-Il , Lee Myeong-Jin , Ku Wonseok , Song Hye-Won , Pouri Safa Siavash , Lee Jeong-O , An Ki-Seok , Yoon Young , Lim Jongtae , Hwang Jin-Ha
Published: November 2022

A high-performance machine learning-assisted gas sensor strategy based on the integration of supervised and unsupervised learning with a gas-sensitive semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) gas sensor array is introduced. A 4-SMO sensor array was chosen as a test sensor system for detecting carbon monoxide (CO) and ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) mixtures using 15 different combinations. Gas sensing detection/classification was performed with different numbers of gas sensor and machine learning algorithms. K-Means clustering was successfully employed to rationally identify the similarity features of targeted gases among 4 different groups, i.e., matrix gas, two single-component gases, and one two-gas mixture, based on only unlabeled voltage-based gas sensing information. Detailed classification was performed through a multitude of supervised algorithms, i.e., 2-layer artificial neural networks (ANNs), 4-layer deep neural networks (DNNs), 1-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D CNNs), and 2-dimensional CNNs (2D CNNs). The numerical-based DNNs and image-based CNNs are shown to be excellent approaches for gas detection and classification, as indicated by the highest accuracy and lowest loss indicators. Through the analysis of the influence of the number of sensors on the arrayed gas sensor system, the application of machine learning methodology to an arrayed gas sensor system demonstrates four unique features, i.e., a data augmentation methodology, machine learning approach of combining K-means clustering and neural networks, and a systematic approach to optimized sensor combinations, potentially leading to the practical sensor networks based on chemical sensors. Even two SMO sensor combinations are shown to be highly effective in gas discrimination against diverse gas environments assisted through numeric-based DNNs and image-based 1D CNNs, overcoming the simple clustering proposed through the unsupervised K-means clustering.
Influence of Phenol–Formaldehyde Resin Oligomer Molecular Weight on the Strength Properties of Beech Wood
Authors: Lang Qian , Biziks Vladimirs , Militz Holger
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of four phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resin treatments with different molecular weights at four different concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20%) in treated beech wood. The mechanical properties of untreated and treated beech wood were evaluated. After impregnation with PF resin, all modified beech wood at all PF resin concentrations exhibited an increase in weight percent gain compared with that in untreated beech samples. PF resins with lower molecular weights more easily penetrate the wood cell wall, leading to increased bulking of the wood structure, which in turn improves the dimensional stability of the wood. The PF resin treatment with a molecular weight of 305 g/mol showed better impregnation ability than that of the other PF resins. The impact bending strength of PF-treated wood was considerably reduced because PF-cured resins formed inside the wood and are rigid and brittle. Additionally, PF resin treatments at all concentrations decreased the modulus of elasticity of the wood. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy revealed that the PF resins were comparatively well fixed in the wood samples. The results indicate that the large molecular weight PF resins are more uniformly distributed in the fiber lumens.
The Quality and Flavor Changes of Different Soymilk and Milk Mixtures Fermented Products during Storage
Authors: Zong Lina , Lu Maolin , Wang Wenqiong , Wa Yunchao , Qu Hengxian , Chen Dawei , Liu Yang , Qian Yi , Ji Qingyang , Gu Ruixia
Published: November 2022

This study explored the effects of two mixed fermentation methods: one was fermenting a soymilk and milk mixture by a lactic acid bacteria fermenting agent at 0.1 g/kg and 42 °C until the acidity was 70 °T, which was set as the MFSM method, and the other was fermenting milk alone by lactic acid bacteria at 42 °C for 12 h, placing it in a 4 °C refrigerator after acidification for 24 h and then mixing it with soymilk at a 1.5:1 ratio and storing the mixture at 4 °C, which was set as the SMFSM method. The quality and flavor of the soymilk and milk mixture products were investigated on the 0th, 15th and 30th days during storage. The changes in acidity, pH, number of viable bacteria, viscosity, water-holding capacity, texture, rheological properties, sensory quality and volatile flavors were determined. The results showed that compared with the fermented soymilk and milk mixtures under the MFSM method, the samples of fermented soymilk and milk mixtures under the SMFSM method showed a significant slowdown of acidification during storage, so that the sensory quality of the products was almost unaffected by acidity on the 30th day of storage. Furthermore, the number of viable bacteria was greater than 7 log cfu/mL. The water holding capacity did not change significantly until the 30th day. There was also no whey precipitation, indicating good stability. The samples in SMFSM mode had higher aromatic contents and beans during storage than the fermented soymilk and milk mixtures in MFSM mode. The rich variety of volatile flavors and the presence of acetoin, 2-heptanone, and (E,E)-3,5-octadien-2-one throughout the storage period allowed the samples to maintain a good sensory flavor during storage.
FDS Results for Selecting the Right Scenario in the Case of a Building Fire: A Case Study
Authors: Manea Florin , Ghicioi Emilian , Suvar Marius Cornel , Prodan Maria , Vlasin Nicolae Ioan , Suvar Niculina Sonia , Vlase Titus
Published: November 2022

On the evening of 5 April 2014, at a building located on 122 Tomis Boulevard, Constanta Municipality, Constanta County, Romania, a restaurant with its kitchen on the ground floor and a lounge bar located on the first floor experienced a fire, one that resulted in four victims and total building destruction. An important step in the technical-scientific expertise was the investigation of the incident based on the elaboration of two fire scenarios using the Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) model, which observed the fire propagation, the generation of toxic gases (carbon monoxide that disoriented and intoxicated the victims, three of whom could not save themselves) depending on the location of the plausible ignition sources, and explained the destructive effects. This paper focuses on the steps required to identify the critical conditions that led to the occurrence of the unwanted event. Based on the calculations, hypothesis, and FDS simulations, the mechanism of the event occurrence was considered to be strongly related to the onsite observations and criminal file issued by the state authorities.
Factors Influencing Early Growth of Juvenile Tiger Trout Stocked into Subalpine Lakes as Biocontrol and to Enhance Recreational Angling
Authors: Hansen Adam G. , Cristan Erik T. , Moll Miranda M. , Miller Michael W. , Gardunio Eric I. , Lepak Jesse M.
Published: November 2022

Tiger trout (Salmo trutta × Salvelinus fontinalis) are sterile hybrids often stocked as a biocontrol agent for undesirable fishes and to enhance recreational angling. Yet, how different ecological processes affect their post-stocking performance remain poorly understood. Rapid growth early in life can foster rapid transitions to piscivory, and improve survival. Identifying factors that benefit early growth can help managers optimize tiger trout stocking for meeting multiple fisheries management objectives. Here, we characterized the trophic ecology and growth of tiger trout stocked at varying densities into seven lentic subalpine systems in Colorado, USA. Study systems supported different species of undesirable fish (e.g., minnows or suckers). We used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to quantify trophic relationships among tiger trout and other fishes in each system. We then evaluated several system-specific attributes as predictors for the size of tiger trout at age-1 using a Random Forest model. Stable isotopes demonstrated the potential for resource competition among tiger trout and other fishes, but potential varied by system. Indices of resource competition ranked highest in the Random Forest model, but the stocking density of tiger trout was most important, suggesting that intraspecific competition outweighed interspecific competition in driving early growth. These processes were mediated by system productivity. Thus, stocking density in combination with the realized carrying capacities of systems should be considered when making management decisions for tiger trout.
A Study on the Approximate Controllability of Hilfer Fractional Evolution Systems
Authors: Liang Yue
Published: November 2022

In this article, the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions are investigated for Hilfer fractional evolution systems. Particularly, the approximate controllability is also investigated under some essential conditions by applying the sequence method. An example, as an application, is provided to demonstrate the obtained results.
Analysis of the Whole-Genome Sequences from an Equus Parent-Offspring Trio Provides Insight into the Genomic Incompatibilities in the Hybrid Mule
Authors: Ren Xiujuan , Liu Yuanyi , Zhao Yiping , Li Bei , Bai Dongyi , Bou Gerelchimeg , Zhang Xinzhuang , Du Ming , Wang Xisheng , Bou Tugeqin , Shen Yingchao , Dugarjaviin Manglai
Published: November 2022

Interspecific hybridization often shows negative effects on hybrids. However, only a few multicellular species, limited to a handful of plants and animals, have shown partial genetic mechanisms by which hybridization leads to low fitness in hybrids. Here, to explore the outcome of combining the two genomes of a horse and donkey, we analyzed the whole-genome sequences from an Equus parent-offspring trio using Illumina platforms. We generated 41.39× and 46.21× coverage sequences for the horse and mule, respectively. For the donkey, a 40.38× coverage sequence was generated and stored in our laboratory. Approximately 24.86 million alleles were discovered that varied from the reference genome. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were used as polymorphic markers for assigning alleles to their parental genomic inheritance. We identified 25,703 Mendelian inheritance error single nucleotide polymorphisms in the mule genome that were not inherited from the parents through Mendelian inheritance. A total of 555 de novo single nucleotide polymorphisms were also identified. The rate of de novo single nucleotide polymorphisms was 2.21 × 10−7 in the mule from the Equus parent-offspring trio. This rate is obviously higher than the natural mutation rate for Equus, which is also consistent with the previous hypothesis that interracial crosses may have a high mutation rate. The genes associated with these single nucleotide polymorphisms are mainly involved in immune processes, DNA repair, and cancer processes. The results of the analysis of three genomes from an Equus parent-offspring trio improved our knowledge of the consequences of the integration of parental genomes in mules.
A Multigraph-Based Representation of Hi-C Data
Authors: Makai Diána , Cseh András , Sepsi Adél , Makai Szabolcs
Published: November 2022

Chromatin–chromatin interactions and three-dimensional (3D) spatial structures are involved in transcriptional regulation and have a decisive role in DNA replication and repair. To understand how individual genes and their regulatory elements function within the larger genomic context, and how the genome reacts to environmental stimuli, the linear sequence information needs to be interpreted in three-dimensional space, which is still a challenging task. Here, we propose a novel, heuristic approach to represent Hi-C datasets by a whole-genomic pseudo-structure in 3D space. The baseline of our approach is the construction of a multigraph from genomic-sequence data and Hi-C interaction data, then applying a modified force-directed layout algorithm. The resulting layout is a pseudo-structure. While pseudo-structures are not based on direct observation and their details are inherent to settings, surprisingly, they demonstrate interesting, overall similarities of known genome structures of both barley and rice, namely, the Rabl and Rosette-like conformation. It has an exciting potential to be extended by additional omics data (RNA-seq, Chip-seq, etc.), allowing to visualize the dynamics of the pseudo-structures across various tissues or developmental stages. Furthermore, this novel method would make it possible to revisit most Hi-C data accumulated in the public domain in the last decade.
Identification, Classification and Characterization Analysis of FBXL Gene in Cotton
Authors: Pan Jingwen , Ahmad Muhammad Zulfiqar , Zhu Shouhong , Chen Wei , Yao Jinbo , Li Yan , Fang Shengtao , Li Tengyu , Yeboah Akwasi , He Liangrong , Zhang Yongshan
Published: November 2022

F-box/LR (FBXL), Leucine-rich repeats in F-box proteins, belongs to the Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ligase family. FBXL genes play important roles in plant growth, such as plant hormones, responses to environmental stress, and floral organ development. Here, a total of 518 FBXL genes were identified and analyzed in six plant species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AtFBXLs, VvFBXLs, and GrFBXLs were clustered into three subfamilies (Ⅰ-Ⅲ). Based on the composition of the F-box domain and carboxyl-terminal amino acid sequence, FBXL proteins were classified into three types (Type-A/-B/-C). Whole-genome duplication (WGD) along with tandem duplications and segmental contributed to the expansion of this gene family. The result indicates that four cotton species are also divided into three subfamilies. FBXLs in cotton were classified into three clades by phylogenetic and structural analyses. Furthermore, expression analyses indicated that the expression patterns of GhFBXLs in different cotton tissues were different. The highly expressed of GH_A07G2363 in 5–8 mm anthers, indicates that this gene might play a role in the reproductive process, providing candidate genes for future studies on cotton fertility materials. This study provides an original functional opinion and a useful interpretation of the FBXL protein family in cotton.
Argopistes sexvittatus and Argopistes capensis (Chrysomelidae: Alticini): Mitogenomics and Phylogeny of Two Flea Beetles Affecting Olive Trees
Authors: Hlaka Vaylen , Biondi Maurizio , Allsopp Elleunorah , van Asch Barbara
Published: November 2022

The genus Argopistes (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) is the only group of flea beetles specialized in plant hosts in the family Oleaceae. In southern Africa, Argopistes are often found feeding on African Wild Olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) and European cultivated olive (O. e. subsp. europaea), and heavy infestations can be devastating to mature trees and compromise the development of young trees. Despite their negative agricultural impact, African Argopistes are an understudied group for which no genetic data were available. We assessed the species diversity of olive flea beetles in the Western Cape province of South Africa, the largest olive-producing region in sub-Saharan Africa, by collecting adult specimens on wild and cultivated olive trees between 2015 and 2017. Argopistes sexvittatus Bryant, 1922 (n = 289) dominated at all sampling sites, and Argopistes capensis Bryant, 1944 (n = 2) was found only once. Argopistes oleae Bryant, 1922, a third species previously reported in the region, was not found. The complete mitogenomes of one A. capensis and two A. sexvittatus (striped and black morphotypes) individuals were sequenced for phylogenetic reconstruction in the context of other 64 species. The two olive flea beetle species form a monophyletic clade with other Argopistes, supporting the hypothesis that the exclusive feeding habit on Oleaceae is an evolutionary adaptation in this genus.
Nonhomologous Chromosome Interactions in Prophase I: Dynamics of Bizarre Meiotic Contacts in the Alay Mole Vole Ellobius alaicus (Mammalia, Rodentia)
Authors: Matveevsky Sergey , Bakloushinskaya Irina , Tambovtseva Valentina , Atsaeva Maret , Grishaeva Tatiana , Bogdanov Aleksey , Kolomiets Oxana
Published: November 2022

Nonhomologous chromosome interactions take place in both somatic and meiotic cells. Prior to this study, we had discovered special contacts through the SYCP3 (synaptonemal complex protein 3) filament between the short arms of nonhomologous acrocentrics at the pachytene stage in the Alay mole vole, and these contacts demonstrate several patterns from proximity to the complete fusion stage. Here, we investigated the nonhomologous chromosome contacts in meiotic prophase I. It turned out that such contacts do not introduce changes into the classic distribution of DNA double-strand breaks. It is noteworthy that not all meiotic contacts were localized in the H3k9me3-positive heterochromatic environment. Both in the mid zygotene and in the early–mid diplotene, three types of contacts (proximity, touching, and anchoring/tethering) were observed, whereas fusion seems to be characteristic only for pachytene. The number of contacts in the mid pachytene is significantly higher than that in the zygotene, and the distance between centromeres in nonhomologous contacts is also the smallest in mid pachytene for all types of contacts. Thus, this work provides a new insight into the behavior of meiotic contacts during prophase I and points to avenues of further research.
Oculo-Cutaneous Albinism Type 4 (OCA4): Phenotype-Genotype Correlation
Authors: Moreno-Artero Ester , Morice-Picard Fanny , Lasseaux Eulalie , Robert Matthieu P. , Coste Valentine , Michaud Vincent , Leclerc-Mercier Stéphanie , Bremond-Gignac Dominique , Arveiler Benoit , Hadj-Rabia Smail
Published: November 2022

Albinism is a genetic disorder, present worldwide, caused by mutations in genes affecting melanin production or transport in the skin, hair and eyes. To date, mutations in at least 20 different genes have been identified. Oculo-cutaneous Albinism type IV (OCA4) is the most frequent form in Asia but has been reported in all populations, including Europeans. Little is known about the genotype-phenotype correlation. We identified two main phenotypes via the analysis of 30 OCA4 patients with a molecularly proven diagnosis. The first, found in 20 patients, is clinically indistinguishable from the classical OCA1 phenotype. The genotype-to-phenotype correlation suggests that this phenotype is associated with homozygous or compound heterozygous nonsense or deletion variants with frameshift leading to translation interruption in the SLC45A2 gene. The second phenotype, found in 10 patients, is characterized by very mild hypopigmentation of the hair (light brown or even dark hair) and skin that is similar to the general population. In this group, visual acuity is variable, but it can be subnormal, foveal hypoplasia can be low grade or even normal, and nystagmus may be lacking. These mild to moderate phenotypes are associated with at least one missense mutation in SLC45A2.
Complete Mitogenome and Phylogenetic Analyses of Galerita orientalis Schmidt-Goebel, 1846 (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae: Galeritini)
Authors: Bai Yu , Yang Kang , Ye Lin , Gao Xuyuan
Published: November 2022

The genus Galerita Fabricius, 1801 belongs to the tribe Galeritini of the family Carabidae. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome (GenBank: ON920164.1) of G. orientalis is newly sequenced, annotated, characterized, and composed of 37 typical genes, and one control region. Mitogenome is a circular DNA molecule of 16,137 bp with a 78.79% AT content. All 13 protein-coding genes are initiated using a typical ATN (Met) as the start codon, except for nad1, which has a TTG as the start codon, and are terminated using a typical TAN stop codon. Twenty-two tRNAs could fold into a typical cloverleaf structure, including trnS1-GCU, which lacks the DHU stem observed in other mitogenomes of the subfamily Harpalinae. Both rrnS and rrnL contain many helices. A conserved poly-T stretch (19 bp) and seven tandem repeats are observed in the control region, and a phylogenetic analysis indicated that the genus Galerita is an independent lineage. The complete mitogenome of G. orientalis will contribute to further studies on the molecular basis of the classification and phylogeny of Harpalinae, and even Carabidae.
Make It Less difficile: Understanding Genetic Evolution and Global Spread of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Mengoli Mariachiara , Barone Monica , Fabbrini Marco , D’Amico Federica , Brigidi Patrizia , Turroni Silvia
Published: November 2022

Clostridioides difficile is an obligate anaerobic pathogen among the most common causes of healthcare-associated infections. It poses a global threat due to the clinical outcomes of infection and resistance to antibiotics recommended by international guidelines for its eradication. In particular, C. difficile infection can lead to fulminant colitis associated with shock, hypotension, megacolon, and, in severe cases, death. It is therefore of the utmost urgency to fully characterize this pathogen and better understand its spread, in order to reduce infection rates and improve therapy success. This review aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the genetic variation of C. difficile, with particular regard to pathogenic genes and the correlation with clinical issues of its infection. We also summarize the current typing techniques and, based on them, the global distribution of the most common ribotypes. Finally, we discuss genomic surveillance actions and new genetic engineering strategies as future perspectives to make it less difficile.
Identification of Liver Fibrosis-Related MicroRNAs in Human Primary Hepatic Stellate Cells Using High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Liu Xu , Ma Heming , Wu Ruihong , Wang Huan , Xu Hongqin , Li Shuxuan , Wang Guangyi , Lv Guoyue , Niu Junqi
Published: November 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, which drives liver fibrosis initiation and progression. We aimed to identify novel hepatic fibrosis targets using miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) of human primary HSCs. Surgically resected liver tissues were used to extract HSCs. Based on next-generation sequencing, miRNA-seq was performed on four pairs of HSCs before and after in vitro culture. Additionally, we compared our data with open access miRNA-seq data derived from fourteen cirrhotic and nine healthy liver tissues. Selected miRNAs associated with fibrosis were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. Target mRNAs of differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were predicted to construct co-expression networks. We identified 230 DEmiRNAs (118 upregulated and 112 downregulated) upon HSC activation. Of the 17 miRNAs with the most significant differences in expression, liver disease-related miRNAs included miR-758-3p, miR-493-5p, miR-409-3p, miR-31-5p, miR-1268a, and miR-381-3p, which might play roles in hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, let-7g-5p, miR-107, miR-122-5p, miR-127-3p, miR-139-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-215-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-340-5p, miR-451a, and miR-99a-5p were common between our data and the publicly available sequencing data. A co-expression network comprising 1891 matched miRNA–mRNA pairs representing 138 DEmiRNAs and 1414 DEmRNAs was constructed. MiR-1268a and miR-665, possessing the richest target DEmRNAs, may be vital in HSC activation. The targeted genes were involved in collagen metabolism, extracellular matrix structural constituent, cytoskeletal protein binding, and cell adhesion. The miRNAs we identified may provide a basis and reference for the selection of diagnostic and therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis.
Dbf4 Zn-Finger Motif Is Specifically Required for Stimulation of Ctf19-Activated Origins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Petrie Meghan V. , Zhang Haiyang , Arnold Emily M. , Gan Yan , Aparicio Oscar M.
Published: November 2022

Eukaryotic genomes are replicated in spatiotemporal patterns that are stereotypical for individual genomes and developmental profiles. In the model system Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two primary mechanisms determine the preferential activation of replication origins during early S phase, thereby largely defining the consequent replication profiles of these cells. Both mechanisms are thought to act through specific recruitment of a rate-limiting initiation factor, Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK), to a subset of licensed replication origins. Fkh1/2 is responsible for stimulation of most early-firing origins, except for centromere (CEN)-proximal origins that recruit DDK via the kinetochore protein Ctf19, which is required for their early firing. The C-terminus of Dbf4 has been implicated in its recruitment to origins via both the Fkh1/2 and Ctf19 mechanisms. Here, we show that the Zn-finger motif within the C-terminus is specifically required for Dbf4 recruitment to CENs to stimulate CEN-proximal/Ctf19-dependent origins, whereas stimulation of origins via the Fkh1/2 pathway remains largely intact. These findings re-open the question of exactly how Fkh1/2 and DDK act together to stimulate replication origin initiation.
The Role of Rheology and Fault Geometry on Fault Reactivation: A Case-Study from the Zsámbék-Mány Basin, Central Hungary
Authors: Héja Gábor Herkules , Kercsmár Zsolt , Kövér Szilvia , Budai Tamás , Noui Mohamed Yazid , Fodor László
Published: November 2022

In this study, we investigated the structural evolution of the Vértessomló (VT) Thrust and the Környe-Zsámbék (KZ) Fault, which are located in the Transdanubian Range in the center of the Miocene Pannonian back-arc basin. Our study is based on surface and well data. The Transdanubian Range was located on the Adriatic passive margin during the Late Triassic, where a thick succession of platform carbonates was deposited. Intercalations of intraplatform basin deposits occur in the eastern part of the study area. South-directed thrusting and the formation of the VT Thrust took place during the Cretaceous, related to the Austroalpine orogeny. Asymmetric half-grabens were formed during the Eocene in the hanging wall of the segmented dextral normal KZ Fault. The geometry and kinematics of the KZ Fault were influenced by the pre-existing VT Thrust located in the Mesozoic basement of the Paleogene sub-basins. These Eocene half-grabens suffered mild inversion due to the dextral reverse reactivation of the VT Thrust and the KZ Fault during the Oligocene–Early Miocene. The geometry of Miocene normal faults indicates that the VT-KZ Fault system was an active transfer fault during the Miocene extension of the Pannonian Basin, as well. We found a positive correlation between the rheology of the Triassic basement and the mode of Paleogene fault reactivation. Our results show that reactivation of the pre-existing thrust took place along that segment, where the Triassic basement is made up of homogeneous platform carbonates. In contrast, a diffuse fault zone developed, where the Triassic basement is represented by the weak layers of intraplatform basins.
Hydrogen-Induced Intergranular Fracture Behavior Accelerated by Needle-like MC Carbide in IN740H Superalloy
Authors: Lee Seung-Yong , Kim Han-Jin , Ahn Chang-Ho , Baek Seung-Wook , Shim Jae-Hyeok , Suh Jin-Yoo
Published: November 2022

Hydrogen embrittlement of a Ni-based superalloy, IN740H, was evaluated after gas-phase hydrogen pre-charging. Specimens with different grain sizes were prepared to induce different precipitation behavior under annealing treatment; the formation of needle-like MC carbide was found only in a specimen with a larger grain size and incoherent twin boundaries after annealing treatment at 1173 K. While other parameters including the grain size and annealing treatment turned out not to undermine the resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, the needle-like MC carbide was found to induce premature failure after hydrogen absorption.
Hydro-Climate Variability and Trend Analysis in the Jemma Sub-Basin, Upper Blue Nile River, Ethiopia
Authors: Gonfa Kidist Hilemicael , Alamirew Tena , Melesse Assefa M
Published: November 2022

Understanding hydro-climate variability in areas where communities are strongly dependent on subsistence natural resource-based economies at finer spatial resolution can have substantial benefits for effective agricultural water management. This study investigated the hydro-climate variability and trend of the Jemma sub-basin, in the Upper Blue Nile (Abbay) basin, using Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Climate data from 11 weather stations inside the basin and two major streams were used for the statistical analysis. The climate data were also correlated with the ENSO phenomenon to explain drivers of the variability. The results show that the sub-basin has been experiencing normal to moderate variability in the annual and Kiremt season rainfalls, but high variability and declining trend for 73% of the minor (Belg) season rainfall, negatively affecting the planting of short-cycle crops that account for about 20% of crop production in the study area. Generally, strong El Nińo (SST anomaly >1) has been correlated to a substantial decline in the Belg season rainfall. Stream-flow variability has also been found to be very high (CV > 30%) in both river flow monitoring stations. Subsequently, ensuring agricultural water security for short-cycle crop production seems to be a risky and daunting task unless supplemented with groundwater conjunctive use or water harvesting.
Hospice Care Improves Patients’ Self-Decision Making and Reduces Aggressiveness of End-of-Life Care for Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Wang Chun-Li , Lin Chia-Yen , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: November 2022

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the different degrees of hospice care in improving patients’ autonomy in decision-making and reducing aggressiveness of cancer care in terminal-stage cancer patients, especially in reducing polypharmacy and excessive life-sustaining treatments. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in a single medical center in Taiwan. Patients with advanced cancer who died in 2010–2019 were included and classified into three subgroups: hospice ward admission, hospice shared care, and no hospice care involvement. In total, 8719 patients were enrolled, and 2097 (24.05%) admitted to hospice ward; 2107 (24.17%) received hospice shared care, and 4515 (51.78%) had no hospice care. Those admitted to hospice ward had significantly higher rates of having completed do-not-resuscitate order (100%, p < 0.001) and signed the do-not-resuscitate order by themselves (48.83%, p < 0.001), and they had lower aggressiveness of cancer care (2.2, p < 0.001) within the 28 days before death. Hospice ward admission, hospice shared care, and age > 79 years were negatively associated with aggressiveness of cancer care. In conclusion, our study showed that patients with end-of-life hospice care related to higher patient autonomy in decision-making and less excessively aggressive cancer care; the influence of care was more overt in patients approaching death. Further clinical efforts should be made to clarify the patient and the families’ satisfaction and perceptions of quality after hospice care involvement.
Support over Social Media among Socially Isolated Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in Rural U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Opportunities for Intervention Research
Authors: Karim Sana , Choukas-Bradley Sophia , Radovic Ana , Roberts Savannah R. , Maheux Anne J. , Escobar-Viera César G.
Published: November 2022

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) rural adolescents are at risk for higher levels of social isolation, a well-known risk factor for depression and other negative health outcomes. We qualitatively examined how rural SGM youth seek emotional and informational support, which are protective factors for social isolation on social media (SM) regarding their SGM identity, and determined which SM platforms and tools are most effective in providing support. We conducted semistructured online interviews with rural SGM teens who screened positive for social isolation in spring 2020 and used a thematic analysis approach to analyze the data. Sixteen youths participated in interviews. Themes included seeking emotional support through SM groups and communities, seeking emotional support in designated online SGM spaces, using SM feeds for informational support, and disclosing SGM identity differentially across platforms. SM-based interventions could be leveraged to provide emotional and informational support for rural SGM youth across specific SM platforms and consider whether they are providing emotional or information support. Interventions focused on informational support may best be used on content-based platforms. Those designed to combat social isolation and connect marginalized SGM youths to similar others might benefit from community and forum-based platforms.
Impact of Climate Change on Indoor Air Quality: A Review
Authors: Mansouri Aya , Wei Wenjuan , Alessandrini Jean-Marie , Mandin Corinne , Blondeau Patrice
Published: November 2022

Climate change can affect the indoor environment due to heat and mass transfers between indoor and outdoor environments. To mitigate climate change impacts and adapt buildings to the changing environment, changes in building characteristics and occupants’ behavior may occur. To characterize the effects of climate change on indoor air quality (IAQ), the present review focused on four aspects: (1) experimental and modeling studies that relate IAQ to future environmental conditions, (2) evolution of indoor and outdoor air concentrations in the coming years with regard to temperature rise, (3) climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in the building sector, and (4) evolution of human behavior in the context of climate change. In the indoor environment, experimental and modeling studies on indoor air pollutants highlighted a combined effect of temperature and relative humidity on pollutant emissions from indoor sources. Five IAQ models developed for future climate data were identified in the literature. In the outdoor environment, the increasing ambient temperature may lead directly or indirectly to changes in ozone, particle, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compound concentrations in some regions of the world depending on the assumptions made about temperature evolution, anthropogenic emissions, and regional regulation. Infiltration into buildings of outdoor air pollutants is governed by many factors, including temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, and might increase in the years to come during summer and decrease during other seasons. On the other hand, building codes in some countries require a higher airtightness for new and retrofitted buildings. The building adaptation actions include the reinforcement of insulation, implementation of new materials and smart building technologies, and a more systematic and possibly longer use of air conditioning systems in summer compared to nowadays. Moreover, warmer winters, springs, and autumns may induce an increasing duration of open windows in these seasons, while the use of air conditioning in summer may reduce the duration of open windows.
Optimizing Trajectory and Dynamic Data Offloading Using a UAV Access Platform
Authors: Kaur Amanjot , Jha Shashi Shekhar , Jin Jiong , Ghaderi Hadi
Published: November 2022

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as an integrated sensing and communication platform is emerging for surveillance and tracking applications, especially in large infrastructure-deficient environments. In this study, we develop a multi-UAV system to collect data dynamically in a resource-constrained context. The proposed approach consists of an access platform called Access UAV (A_UAV) that stochastically coordinates the data collection from the Inspection-UAVs (I_UAVs) equipped with a visual sensor to relay the same to the cloud. Our approach jointly considers the trajectory optimization of A_UAV and the stability of the data queues at each UAV. In particular, the Distance and Access Latency Aware Trajectory (DLAT) optimization for A_UAVs is developed, which generates a fair access schedule for I_UAVs. Moreover, a Lyapunov-based online optimization ensures the system stability of the average queue backlogs for dynamic data collection while minimizing total system energy. Coordination between I_UAV and A_UAV is achieved through a message-based mechanism. The simulation results validate the performance of our proposed approach against several baselines under different parameter settings.
Comment on Cannarella et al. DNA Methylation in Offspring Conceived after Assisted Reproductive Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 5056
Authors: Ducreux Bastien , Fauque Patricia
Published: November 2022

We read the study by Cannarella et al. [...]
Clinical Outcomes and Quantitative Margin Analysis of a Universal Adhesive Using a Randomized Clinical Trial over Three Years
Authors: Haak Rainer , Werner Melissa Sophie , Schneider Hartmut , Häfer Matthias , Schulz-Kornas Ellen
Published: November 2022

The effectiveness of a universal adhesive applied in different application modes for the preparation of Class V composite restorations was evaluated both clinically and by quantitative marginal analysis (QMA). In each of the 22 patients, four non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) were restored with Filtek™ Supreme XTE (3M). The adhesive Scotchbond™ Universal (SBU, 3M) was applied in self-etch (SE), selective-enamel-etch (SEE) or etch-and-rinse (ER) modes. The etch-and-rinse adhesive OptiBond™ FL (OFL, Kerr) served as a control. The restorations were clinically evaluated (FDI criteria) after 14 days (BL), 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Additionally, QMA was conducted on all restorations of 11 randomly selected patients. The FDI criteria and marginal gap were statistically compared between the groups at each recall as well as for the time periods between recalls. The cumulative failure rate was non-significantly higher in the OFL group when compared to all of the SBU groups. Marginal adaptation in the OFL and SBU-SE/ER groups was significantly decreased (BL-36 m, p: 0.004) in comparison to the SBU-SEE group (BL-36 m, p: 0.063). More marginal gaps were found in the OFL group than in the SBU-SEE (BL to 36 m, p: 0.063–0.003) and SBU-ER (24/36 m, p: 0.066/0.005) groups as well as in the SBU-SE group when compared to the SBU-SEE (12–36 m, pi ≤ 0.016) and SBU-ER (24/36 m, p: 0.055/0.001) groups. SBU-SEE performed most effectively. The clinical evaluation and QMA corresponded, yet QMA detected group differences earliest after 6 months and is thus a valuable extension to clinical evaluations.
Pre-Diagnosis Sleep Status and Survival after a Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Gao Chang , Wei Yifan , Wen Zhaoyan , Li Xinyu , Liu Fanghua , Gong Tingting , Yan Shi , Qin Xue , Gao Song , Zhao Yuhong , Wu Qijun
Published: November 2022

Objective: To explore if pre-diagnosis sleep status is associated with overall survival (OS) of ovarian cancer (OC). Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 853 OC patients newly diagnosed between 2015 and 2020. Sleep status was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Vital status of patients was obtained through active follow-up and linkage to medical records and cancer registry. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was utilized to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for aforementioned associations. Results: During the follow-up period (median: 37.57 months, interquartile: 25.00 to 50.17 months), 123 (18.39%) OC patients died. The HR (95%CI) for OS of OC was 2.13 (1.42–3.18) for sleeping after 22:00, compared with sleeping before 22:00; 2.43 (1.64–3.62) for poor sleep quality, compared to good sleep quality; 2.26 (1.37–3.72) for late bed-early rise and 1.93 (1.09–3.42) for late bed-late rise, compared with early bed-early rise; 0.40 (0.24–0.67) for night sleep duration of ≥7.5 h/day, compared with 7–7.5 h/day; 0.53 (0.29–0.98) for total sleep duration of ≥8 h/day, compared with 7.5–8 h/day. Further, the interaction effects were significant between residual lesions and wake-up time, night bedtime, sleep pattern, and between total sleep duration and menopausal status, parity. Additionally, there was a significant curvilinear association between PSQI score and OS (p nonlinear <0.05). Conclusions: Pre-diagnosis longer total and night sleep duration were associated with better OS, whereas later sleeping time, poor sleep quality, and bad sleep patterns were associated with poor OS among OC survivors.