bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea after Cabergoline Treatment in Patients with Bioactive Macroprolactinoma
Authors: Kim Hae-Kyung , Hong Jae-Won , Moon Ju-Hyung , Ahn Sung-Soo , Kim Eui-Hyun , Lee Seung-Koo , Lee Eun-Jig , Park Yae-Won , Ku Cheol-Ryong
Published: October 2021

Predicting dopamine agonist resistance in patients with macroprolactinoma is essential for clinicians to prevent treatment failure and subsequent complications such as medication-induced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. We evaluated the features of patients with cabergoline resistance and CSF rhinorrhea in patients with prolactinomas with prolactin levels ≥1000 ng/mL. A total of 140 patients who were newly diagnosed with prolactinoma secreting only prolactin ≥1000 ng/mL and treated with cabergoline for the first time were included in this study. Based on the hormonal and radiologic response of the prolactinoma, the patients were divided into responders and non-responders. Non-responders (36/140, 25.8%) included a higher number of patients receiving hormone replacement than responders (responders, n (%) = 12(11.5) vs. non-responders = 13(36.1), p = 0.001). In propensity score matching analysis, patients who developed CSF rhinorrhea presented more frequent hormone deficiency than responders regardless of initial cabergoline dose. Hormone deficiency was associated with a greater odds ratio for the risk of non-responders (adjusted odds ratio = 5.13, 95% CI 1.96–13.46, p = 0.001). Cabergoline was effective in bioactive macroprolactinoma. Furthermore, initial cabergoline dose was not significantly associated with long-term responsiveness and development of CSF rhinorrhea but the hypopituitarism was independently associated with an increased risk of cabergoline resistance and CSF rhinorrhea.
Bisphenol A Analogues Suppress Spheroid Attachment on Human Endometrial Epithelial Cells through Modulation of Steroid Hormone Receptors Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fan Hongjie , Fernando Sudini R. , Jiang Luhan , Wang Ziyi , Kodithuwakku Suranga P. , Wong Chris K. C. , Ng Ernest H. Y. , Yeung William S. B. , Lee Kai-Fai
Published: October 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine disruptor, widely used in various consumer products and ubiquitously found in air, water, food, dust, and sewage leachates. Recently, several countries have restricted the use of BPA and replaced them with bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF), which have a similar chemical structure to BPA. Compared to BPA, both BPS and BPF have weaker estrogenic effects, but their effects on human reproductive function including endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation still remain largely unknown. We used an in vitro spheroid (blastocyst surrogate) co-culture assay to investigate the effects of BPA, BPS, and BPF on spheroid attachment on human endometrial epithelial cells, and further delineated their role on steroid hormone receptor expression. We also used transcriptomics to investigate the effects of BPA, BPS, and BPF on the transcriptome of human endometrial cells. We found that bisphenol treatment in human endometrial Ishikawa cells altered estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling and upregulated progesterone receptors (PR). Bisphenols suppressed spheroid attachment onto Ishikawa cells, which was reversed by the downregulation of PR through PR siRNA. Overall, we found that bisphenol compounds can affect human endometrial epithelial cell receptivity through the modulation of steroid hormone receptor function leading to impaired embryo implantation.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Osteoarthritis Treatment: Extracellular Matrix Protection, Chondrocyte and Osteocyte Physiology, Pain and Inflammation Management
Authors: Nguyen Thu Huyen , Duong Chau Minh , Nguyen Xuan-Hung , Than Uyen Thi Trang
Published: October 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease that can lead to persistent pain and motion restriction. In the last decade, stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have been explored as a potential alternative OA therapy due to their regenerative capacity. Furthermore, it has been shown that trophic factors enveloped in extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are a crucial aspect of MSC-based treatment for OA. Evidently, EVs derived from different MSC sources might rescue the OA phenotype by targeting many biological processes associated with cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and exerting protective effects on different joint cell types. Despite this advancement, different studies employing EV treatment for OA have revealed reverse outcomes depending on the EV cargo, cell source, and pathological condition. Hence, in this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the possible effects of MSC-derived EVs based on recent findings at different stages of OA development, including effects on cartilage ECM, chondrocyte biology, osteocytes and bone homeostasis, inflammation, and pain management. Additionally, we discuss further strategies and technical advances for manipulating EVs to specifically target OA to bring the therapy closer to clinical use.
Metabolic Changes in Tumor Microenvironment: How Could They Affect γδ T Cells Functions?
Authors: Corsale Anna Maria , Di Simone Marta , Lo Presti Elena , Picone Carmela , Dieli Francesco , Meraviglia Serena
Published: October 2021

The metabolic changes that occur in tumor microenvironment (TME) can influence not only the biological activity of tumor cells, which become more aggressive and auto sustained, but also the immune response against tumor cells, either producing ineffective responses or polarizing the response toward protumor activity. γδ T cells are a subset of T cells characterized by a plasticity that confers them the ability to differentiate towards different cell subsets according to the microenvironment conditions. On this basis, we here review the more recent studies focused on altered tumor metabolism and γδ T cells, considering their already known antitumor role and the possibility of manipulating their effector functions by in vitro and in vivo approaches. γδ T cells, thanks to their unique features, are themselves a valid alternative to overcome the limits associated with the use of conventional T cells, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction, costimulatory signal and specific tumor-associated antigen recognition. Lipids, amino acids, hypoxia, prostaglandins and other metabolic changes inside the tumor microenvironment could reduce the efficacy of this important immune population and polarize γδ T cells toward IL17 producing cells that play a pro tumoral role. A deeper knowledge of this phenomenon could be helpful to formulate new immunotherapeutic approaches that target tumor metabolisms.
Placental mTOR Signaling and Sexual Dimorphism in Metabolic Health across the Lifespan of Offspring
Authors: Beetch Megan , Alejandro Emilyn U.
Published: October 2021

Robust evidence of fetal programming of adult disease has surfaced in the last several decades. Human and preclinical investigations of intrauterine insults report perturbations in placental nutrient sensing by the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). This review focuses on pregnancy complications associated with placental mTOR regulation, such as fetal growth restriction (FGR), fetal overgrowth, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), maternal nutrient restriction (MNR), preeclampsia (PE), maternal smoking, and related effects on offspring birthweight. The link between mTOR-associated birthweight outcomes and offspring metabolic health trajectory with a focus on sexual dimorphism are discussed. Both human physiology and animal models are summarized to facilitate in depth understanding. GDM, PCOS and fetal overgrowth are associated with increased placental mTOR, whereas FGR, MNR and maternal smoking are linked to decreased placental mTOR activity. Generally, birth weight is reduced in complications with decreased mTOR (i.e., FGR, MNR, maternal smoking) and higher with increased mTOR (GDM, PCOS). Offspring display obesity or a higher body mass index in childhood and adulthood, impaired glucose and insulin tolerance in adulthood, and deficiencies in pancreatic beta-cell mass and function compared to offspring from uncomplicated pregnancies. Defining causal players in the fetal programming of offspring metabolic health across the lifespan will aid in stopping the vicious cycle of obesity and type II diabetes.
Cross-Scale Biological Models of Species for Future Biomimetic Composite Design: A Review
Authors: Song Wenda , Mu Zhengzhi , Zhang Zhiyan , Wang Yufei , Hu Handong , Ma Zhe , Huang Liewei , Wang Ze , Zhang Binjie , Li Yujiao , Zhang Shuang , Li Bo , Zhang Junqiu , Niu Shichao , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan
Published: October 2021

The rise in structural performance requirements in engineering is driving the research and development of stronger, stiffer, and lighter materials. However, most traditional artificial materials are unable to meet the needs of modern industrial and technological development. In fact, multifarious creatures in nature are further ahead in their use of structural materials. There is a fairly limited selection of natural structural materials at ambient temperatures. They usually consist of hard and soft phases arranged in a complex hierarchy with characteristic dimensions ranging from nanoscale to macroscale. The resulting materials usually show a nearly perfect combination of strength and toughness integrated with lightweight characteristics. This is exactly what is required of engineering materials. In this review, different biological materials were divided into the following types in terms of structural elements: 1D fibrous structures, 2D layered structures, 3D cellular structures and heterogeneous interface structures. For each structural element, corresponding structure components and mechanical properties of typical organisms were well described. Abundant sophisticated models of natural biological structures were discussed contrastively. The purpose of this review was to summarize the excellent properties of multi-dimensional biological models with cross-scale features and to reveal the relationship between structure characteristics and function mechanism, which could provide valuable references for the design and optimization of a future biomimetic composite with high mechanical performance. This review is anticipated to not only inspire novel biomimetic design but also offer a window for the deep understanding of existing outstanding structural composites in diversified species, which could provide continuous innovative power for composite renovation in many engineering fields.
Highly Conductive Mn-Co Spinel Powder Prepared by Cu-Doping Used for Interconnect Protection of SOFC
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Wen Kui , Song Chen , Liu Taikai , Dong Yong , Liu Min , Deng Changguang , Deng Chunming , Yang Chenghao
Published: October 2021

Mn-Co Spinel is considered as one of the most promising materials for the interconnect protection of solid oxide fuel cells; however, its conductivity is too low to maintain a high cell performance as compared with cathode materials. Element doping is an effective method to improve the spinel conductivity. In this work, we proposed doping Mn-Co spinel powder with Cu via a solid phase reaction. CuδMn1.5−xCo1.5−yO4 with δ = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and x + y = δ was obtained. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) were used to evaluate the Cu-doping effect. After sintering at 1000 °C for 12 h, the yield exhibited the best crystallinity, density, and element distribution, with a phase composition of MnCo2O4/CuxMn3−xO4 (x = 1, 1.2, 1.4 or 1.5). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to semi-quantitatively characterize the content changes in element valence states. The areal fraction of Mn2+ and Co3+ was found to decrease when the sintering duration increased, which was attributed to the decomposition of the MnCo2O4 phase. Finally, coatings were prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying with doped spinel powders and the raw powder Mn1.5Co1.5O4. It was found that Cu doping can effectively increase the conductivity of Mn-Co spinel coatings from 23 S/cm to 51 S/cm. Although the dopant Cu was found to be enriched on the surface of the coatings after the conductivity measurement, which restrained the doping effect, Cu doping remains a convenient method to significantly promote the conductivity of spinel coatings for SOFC applications.
On the Adequacy of Some Low-Order Moments Method to Simulate Certain Particle Removal Processes
Authors: Kostoglou Margaritis , Karapantsios Thodoris D.
Published: October 2021

The population balance is an indispensable tool for studying colloidal, aerosol, and, in general, particulate systems. The need to incorporate spatial variation (imposed by flow) to it invokes the reduction of its complexity and degrees of freedom. It has been shown in the past that the method of moments and, in particular, the log-normal approximation can serve this purpose for certain phenomena and mechanisms. However, it is not adequate to treat gravitational deposition. In the present work, the ability of the particular method to treat diffusional and convective diffusional depositions relevant to colloid systems is studied in detail.
Effect of Leaf Age, Leaf Segments and Surface Treatments on Pathogenicity Levels of Colletotrichum sublineola in Sorghum and Johnson Grass
Authors: Ahn Ezekiel , Fan Farrell , Magill Clint
Published: October 2021

Colletotrichum sublineola is a casual pathogen of sorghum anthracnose. Sorghum pathologists often need to conduct evaluations for anthracnose resistance in large scale which are expensive and labor intensive. As a solution, an excised-leaf assay has been used, but whether or not leaf age, position or region affects pathogenicity scores has not previously been evaluated. Essentially, in an excised-leaf assay, is response to C. sublineola over all or part of a leaf blade identical? To get an answer, three sorghum and one Johnson grass cultivars were tested. The top five leaves were inoculated at the apex, mid-leaf and base of each leaf blade. Results show nearly no effect of leaf age to pathogenicity level within the top five leaves. Furthermore, in order to evaluate any protective role of leaf wax to C. sublineola, the wax was disrupted by simply wiping the leaf surface by a thumb, or as an alternative method, leaf surface tension was reduced by submerging leaves into 2% TWEEN 20 before inoculation. Compared to control, wiped leaves increased pathogenicity scores on the leaf blade and midrib in two of three sorghum cultivars, but 2% TWEEN 20-treated leaves had only minimal changes in pathogenicity level compared to controls.
Development of a Microbial Fuel Cell Using Methylococcus Chroococcus Bacteria as a Biocatalyst
Authors: Abdo Hany S. , Seikh Asiful H. , Abdus Samad Ubair , Ragab Sameh A. , Alam Mohammad Asif , AlGhannam Abdullah A.
Published: October 2021

Methane is an extensively accessible green energy that can be obtained organically just by way of through natural gases. However, using methane in fuel at ambient temperature conditions is quite challenging, due to its high thermodynamically stability. In this present investigation, the feasibility of using methane in the low-temperature microbial fuel-cell (MFC) with an unadulterated culture of Methylococcus chroococcus without the inclusion of any additional electron mediators is investigated. The microbial fuel cell setup was prepared using a salt bridge. Through potentiodynamic study, power density, and OCV, it can be seen that the setup delivers a sufficient amount of voltage and power as the days progress. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic investigations also depict the fact that the cell required roughly one day to balance out, and kept working at full force for up to seven days. This work exhibits the chance of creating power utilizing methane as one of the main carbon sources at ambient temperature with an M. chroococcus unadulterated culture as the direct electron-transporting MFC biocatalyst.
Synthesis and Structural Analysis of Ternary Ca–Al–Fe Layered Double Hydroxides with Different Iron Contents
Authors: Xie Jing , Gwak Gyeong-Hyeon , Lee Minseop , Paek Seung-Min , Oh Jae-Min
Published: October 2021

Hydrocalumite structured layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with various Fe3+ ratios were prepared through a coprecipitation method. In order to control the Fe3+ content in LDH, binary Ca–Fe LDHs were first synthesized with various Ca/Fe ratios. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed that only a limited Ca/Fe ratio resulted in LDH formation. The Fe3+ content in LDH was controlled by applying Al3+ while the divalent and trivalent metal ratio was set to 2. Through X-ray diffraction patterns, ternary LDHs with Ca–Al–Fe composition were successfully synthesized without significant impurities, with the Al increasing crystallinity. Quantification showed that Al moiety participated in the formation of the LDH framework more than Ca and Fe, implying a structural stabilization in the presence of Al. In order to investigate the global and local structure of Fe moiety in the LDH, both solid state UV-vis and X-ray absorption spectroscopies were carried out. Both spectroscopies revealed that the existence of Al induced slight local distortion in coordination but global crystal stabilization.
Controlled Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles by Modified Polyol Methods: Determination of Their Size, Shape, and Crystal Structure
Authors: Hang Nguyen Thi Nhat , Yang Yong , Nam Nguyen Quang Thanh , Nogami Masayuki , Phuc Le Hong , Tri Nguyen Huu , Cuu Ho Van , Long Nguyen Viet
Published: October 2021

We successfully prepared Au nanoparticles using the modified polyol methods and design of experiments. The desirable crystal structure and particle size of Au nanoparticles with various kinds of polyhedral and spherical shapes as well as various kinds of their morphologies or complete and rough spherical crystal surfaces were experimentally predicted in TEM and XRD measurements according to the theoretical calculation and data. The fine crystal formation of Au nanostructures by modified polyol methods with EG, PVP, and NaBH4 is of great importance to their practical applications. Our research shows that the critical nucleation, growth, and formation of sizes, shapes, and morphologies of Au nanoparticles were experimentally discussed in modified polyol methods and design of experiments. In this context, our particle size calculation can hold the greatest attraction for researchers in the field of nanoparticles.
Wear Behavior of Commercial Copper-Based Aircraft Brake Pads Fabricated under Different SPS Conditions
Authors: Kim Kyung Il , Lee Hyunjong , Kim Jongbeom , Oh Kyu Hwan , Kim Kyung Taek
Published: October 2021

Understanding the wear behavior of Cu-based brake pads, which are used in high-speed railway trains and aircraft, is essential for improving their design and safety. Therefore, the wear mechanism of these pads has been studied extensively. However, most studies have focused on the changes in their composition and not the effects of their manufacturing conditions. In this study, we fabricated commercial Cu-based brake pads containing Fe, graphite, Al2O3, and SiO2 using spark plasma sintering under different conditions. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the pads were investigated. The pads were tribo-evaluated using the ball-on-disc test under various load conditions. Their worn surfaces were analyzed using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy in order to elucidate their wear mechanism. In addition, the dynamometer test was performed to confirm whether their wear behavior would be similar under actual conditions. Finally, a comparative analysis was performed using the ball-on-disc test. The results indicated that the brake pads with the same composition but fabricated under different sintering conditions exhibited different wear characteristics. We believe that this research is of great significance for understanding the wear mechanism of Cu-based brake pads and improving their design and hence their performance.
Effect of Different NaOH Solution Concentrations on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Alkali-Activated Blast Furnace Ferronickel Slag
Authors: Huang Zongxian , Zhou Yuqi , Cui Yong
Published: October 2021

Blast furnace ferronickel slag (BFFS) is a kind of industrial solid waste that has not been effectively utilized in construction industry. The effects of different NaOH concentrations on the mechanical properties and microstructure of alkali-activated blast furnace ferronickel slag were investigated in this study. The results show that an optimal concentration for compressive strength is found, both higher and lower concentrations cause strength degradation. The pore structure, phase composition and hydration heat revealed that less C-A-S-H gel is produced at low concentration and result in the low compressive strength The phase composition and hydration heat revealed that more hydrotalcite is produced than C-A-S-H at high concentration due to more violent reaction at the early age hinders the growth of C-A-S-H in the later stage. FT-IR also shows that high concentration decreased the Al/Si ratio and polymerization of C-A-S-H which also leads to the low strength at high concentration.
Tracking SARS-CoV-2: Novel Trends and Diagnostic Strategies
Authors: Guaman-Bautista Linda P. , Moreta-Urbano Erick , Oña-Arias Claudia G. , Torres-Arias Marbel , Kyriakidis Nikolaos C. , Malcı Koray , Jonguitud-Borrego Nestor , Rios-Solis Leonardo , Ramos-Martinez Espiridion , López-Cortés Andrés , Barba-Ostria Carlos
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on economies and health systems globally, therefore a top priority is the development of increasingly better diagnostic and surveillance alternatives to slow down the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In order to establish massive testing and contact tracing policies, it is crucial to have a clear view of the diagnostic options available and their principal advantages and drawbacks. Although classical molecular methods such as RT-qPCR are broadly used, diagnostic alternatives based on technologies such as LAMP, antigen, serological testing, or the application of novel technologies such as CRISPR-Cas for diagnostics, are also discussed. The present review also discusses the most important automation strategies employed to increase testing capability. Several serological-based diagnostic kits are presented, as well as novel nanotechnology-based diagnostic methods. In summary, this review provides a clear diagnostic landscape of the most relevant tools to track COVID-19.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patellofemoral Morphometry Reveals Age and Gender Variations in the Knees of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Choi Wonchul , Lee Sang-June , Oh Jongbeom , Baek Hongseok , Yang Jinhyuk , Shin Jaeyeon , Jung Bosung , Lee Soonchul
Published: October 2021

Background: The morphology and alignment of the patellofemoral joint are crucial risk factors for patellar instability, and the incidence of acute primary patellar dislocation is the highest in women in their second decade of life. The purpose of the study was to analyze age and gender variations of the patellofemoral joint using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A total of 852 patients aged between 4 and 18 years with a history of knee MRI examinations were screened for eligibility and 663 patients (470 males, 193 females) were included. Patients were divided into groups according to age and sex. The age group was divided into five groups (Group 1, 4–6 years; Group 2, 7–9 years; Group 3, 10–12 years; Group 4, 13–15 years; and Group 5, 16–18 years). Three orthopaedic surgeons measured MRI parameters reflecting the patellofemoral morphology (sulcus angle, lateral trochlear inclination, trochlear facet symmetry, and femoral depth) and alignment (tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance, percent sulcus location, and percent tibia tuberosity location). Results: Parameters including tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance, sulcus angle, percent tibial tuberosity location, trochlear facet symmetry, and femoral depth showed significant differences between the age groups (p < 0.05). The sulcus angle decreased fin Group 2, and the femoral depth showed an increasing trend with aging in male patients. However, the sulcus angle in females decreased first and then increased in Group 3 as the inflection point. The femoral depth showed an opposite pattern. Conclusions: Patellofemoral morphometry showed age and gender variation. Notably, the sulcus angle and femoral depth were significantly different between males and females and changed according to the development. These findings may reflect the sex difference and peak incidence of the patellar instability risk. Understanding the morphological changes and differences of the patellofemoral joint may facilitate the diagnosis of patellofemoral pathologies.
Toward Reliable Uptake Metrics in Large Vessel Vasculitis Studies
Authors: van Praagh Gijs D. , Nienhuis Pieter H. , de Jong Daniel M. , Reijrink Melanie , van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Brouwer Elisabeth , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Sinha Bhanu , Willemsen Antoon T. M. , Slart Riemer H. J. A.
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of sex, age, fat mass, fasting blood glucose level (FBGL), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on blood pool activity in patients with large vessel vasculitis (LVV). Blood pool activity was measured in the superior caval vein using mean, maximum, and peak standardized uptake values corrected for body weight (SUVs) and lean body mass (SULs) in 41 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scans of LVV patients. Sex influence on the blood pool activity was assessed with t-tests, while linear correlation analyses were used for age, fat mass, FBGL, and eGFR. Significantly higher SUVs were found in women compared with men, whereas SULs were similar between sexes. In addition, higher fat mass was associated with increased SUVs (r = 0.56 to 0.65; all p < 0.001) in the blood pool, but no correlations were found between SULs and fat mass (r = −0.25 to −0.15; all p > 0.05). Lower eGFR was associated with a higher FDG blood pool activity for all uptake values. In FDG-PET/CT studies with LVV patients, we recommend using SUL over SUV, while caution is advised in interpreting SUV and SUL measures when patients have impaired kidney function.
Valid and Reliable Assessment of Upper Respiratory Tract Specimen Collection Skills during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Todsen Tobias , Bohr Anne , Hovgaard Lisette Hvid , Eið Rebekka Consuelo , Benfield Thomas , Svendsen Morten B. S. , Kirkby Nikolai , Konge Lars , von Buchwald Christian , Melchiors Jacob , Tolsgaard Martin
Published: October 2021

Proper specimen collection is the most important step to ensure accurate testing for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other infectious diseases. Assessment of healthcare workers’ upper respiratory tract specimen collection skills is needed to ensure samples of high-quality clinical specimens for COVID-19 testing. This study explored the validity evidence for a theoretical MCQ-test and checklists developed for nasopharyngeal (NPS) and oropharyngeal (OPS) specimen collection skills assessment. We found good inter-item reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.76) for the items of the MCQ-test and high inter-rater reliability using the checklist for the assessment of OPS and NPS skills on 0.86 and 0.87, respectively. The MCQ scores were significantly different between experts (mean 98%) and novices (mean 66%), p < 0.001, and a pass/fail score of 91% was established. We found a significant discrimination between checklist scores of experts (mean 95% score for OPS and 89% for NPS) and novices (mean 50% score for OPS and 36% for NPS), p < 0.001, and a pass/fail score was established of 76% for OPS and 61% for NPS. Further, the results also demonstrated that a group of non-healthcare educated workers can perform upper respiratory tract specimen collection comparably to experts after a short and focused simulation-based training session. This study, therefore, provides validity evidence for the use of a theoretical and practical test for upper respiratory specimens’ collection skills that can be used for competency-based training of the workers in the COVID-19 test centers.
Using Antigen Expression of Leukemic Cells for a Fast Screening of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Ceni-Silva Vitória , Pagnano Kátia , Duarte Gislaine , Pellegrini Marina , Duarte Bruno , Metze Konradin , Lorand-Metze Irene
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: Acute promyelocytic leukemia is curable, but bleeding complications still provoke a high early mortality. Therefore, a fast diagnosis is needed for timely starting treatment. We developed a diagnostic algorithm using flow cytometric features for discrimination between acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and other types of acute myeloid leukemias (AML). (2) Methods: we analyzed newly diagnosed AMLs where immunophenotyping was performed at diagnosis by an 8-color protocol. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of each antigen used was assessed, and those best separating APL from other types of AML were obtained by a discriminant analysis. Phenotypic characteristics of myeloblasts of normal bone marrow were used as controls. (3) Results: 24 cases of APL and 56 cases of other primary AMLs entered the study. Among non-APL AMLs, 4 had fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 gene internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD) mutation, 2 had nucleophosmin (NPM1) and 10 had both mutations. SSC (p < 0.0001), HLA-DR (p < 0.0001), CD13 (p = 0.001), CD64 (p = 0.004) and CD33 (p = 0.002) were differentially expressed, but this was not the case for CD34 (50% of non-APLs had a low expression). In the discriminant analysis, the best differentiation was achieved with SSC and HLA-DR discriminating 91.25% of the patients. (4) Conclusion: MFC could differentiate APL from non-APL AML in the majority of the cases.
Beyond the Patient’s Report: Self-Reported, Subjective, Objective and Estimated Walking Disability in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Lamberti Nicola , Caruso Lorenzo , Piva Giovanni , Traina Luca , Ficarra Valentina , Zamboni Paolo , Gasbarro Vincenzo , Manfredini Fabio
Published: October 2021

Among patients with peripheral artery disease, an altered estimation of walking ability reported to the physician may influence the choice of treatment. We compared claudication distance (CD) values reported by patients or assessed by validated protocols to elaborate a formula capable of estimating more reliable values. Three hundred fifty-nine patients with claudication were measured at the time of entry into a rehabilitation program. Walking performance was obtained by patients’ reports (self-reported claudication distance, SR-CD) and was directly assessed to determine the claudication and maximal walking distance by the 6-min test (6-CD and 6-MWD) and an incremental treadmill test (T-CD and T-MWD). The degree of muscle deoxygenation was objectively determined at the calf by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during the treadmill test. Among the 289 subjects analyzed, SR-CD exceeded both 6-CD and T-CD (+155 and +182 m, respectively). SR-CD was moderately correlated with T-CD (r = 0.30), 6-CD (r = 0.32), and 6-MWD (r = 0.29) but not with muscle deoxygenation per meter walked, unlike T-CD and 6-CD. A formula adjusted for the presence of diabetes reduced patient overestimation by 92%. The patient’s reported claudication distance was generally overestimated compared to objective measures, and it was made more reliable through a corrective factor for easy use in a clinical setting.
University Professor Training in Times of COVID-19: Analysis of Training Programs and Perception of Impact on Teaching Practices
Authors: Ramos-Pla Anabel , del Arco Isabel , Flores Alarcia Òscar
Published: October 2021

During the confinement and post-confinement period, the continuous training centers at different Catalan universities adapted the lifelong learning of professors. The present study analyzes the education of lecturers from Catalan universities before and after the pandemic, as well as their perception of its impact. A documentary analysis was performed of the continuous training programs for professors. Posteriorly, an enquiry was made about the perception of impact of this training, through a descriptive and inferential analysis with the use of a questionnaire designed ad hoc. Results indicated an increase in training associated with institutional digital tools, online evaluation, and design of online courses. The efforts by the professors to implement the knowledge acquired is underlined, with a higher perception of impact observed in the areas of Social and Legal Sciences and Arts and Humanities. In addition, the main difficulties perceived were the lack of time for adapting their practice of teaching with the knowledge acquired, as well as the complexity of performing an online evaluation. It is concluded that there is a need for continuous training programs that help establish support networks and collaboration between professors for the improvement of teaching, and in which one of the priorities is online evaluation.
A Convolutional Neural Network-Based End-to-End Self-Driving Using LiDAR and Camera Fusion: Analysis Perspectives in a Real-World Environment
Authors: Park Mingyu , Kim Hyeonseok , Park Seongkeun
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we develop end-to-end autonomous driving based on a 2D LiDAR sensor and camera sensor that predict the control value of the vehicle from the input data, instead of modeling rule-based autonomous driving. Different from many studies utilizing simulated data, we created an end-to-end autonomous driving algorithm with data obtained from real driving and analyzing the performance of our proposed algorithm. Based on the data obtained from an actual urban driving environment, end-to-end autonomous driving was possible in an informal environment such as a traffic signal by predicting the vehicle control value based on a convolution neural network. In addition, this paper solves the data imbalance problem by eliminating redundant data for each frame during stopping and driving in the driving environment so we can improve the performance of self-driving. Finally, we verified through the activation map how the network predicts the vertical and horizontal control values by recognizing the traffic facilities in the driving environment. Experiments and analysis will be shown to show the validity of the proposed algorithm.
Combining Distributed and Kernel Tracing for Performance Analysis of Cloud Applications
Authors: Gelle Loïc , Ezzati-Jivan Naser , Dagenais Michel R.
Published: October 2021

Distributed tracing allows tracking user requests that span across multiple services and machines in a distributed application. However, typical cloud applications rely on abstraction layers that can hide the root cause of latency happening between processes or in the kernel. Because of its focus on high-level events, existing methodologies in applying distributed tracing can be limited when trying to detect complex contentions and relate them back to the originating requests. Cross-level analyses that include kernel-level events are necessary to debug problems as prevalent as mutex or disk contention, however cross-level analysis and associating events in the kernel and distributed tracing data is complex and can add a lot of overhead. This paper describes a new solution for combining distributed tracing with low-level software tracing in order to find the latency root cause better. We explain how we achieve a hybrid trace collection to capture and synchronize both kernel and distributed request events. Then, we present our design and implementation for a critical path analysis. We show that our analysis describes precisely how each request spends its time and what stands in its critical path while limiting overhead.
Metamaterial Integrated Folded Dipole Antenna with Low SAR for 4G, 5G and NB-IoT Applications
Authors: Singh Harbinder , Mittal Nitin , Gupta Amit , Kumar Yogesh , Woźniak Marcin , Waheed Amtul
Published: October 2021

The fast growth of wireless technology for mobile communication devices requires broad bandwidth, high data rate facilities and compact device size. The solution to the next generation user equipment is high data rate 4G/5G technologies. In this research, wideband antenna design was analyzed and evaluated for 4G, 5G and NB-IoT applications. CST microwave studio was used for simulations and investigations of the performance parameters. The antenna was designed as a folded dipole with a tunable bandwidth and resonates for 5G NR n78, NR-IoT bands B1, B2, and B25, and eleven TDD LTE frequency bands with a bandwidth percentage and minimum scattering loss of 69.02% and −42 dB respectively. Additionally, the designed antenna is small (35 × 48 × 1.62 mm3) and planar in structure and can be easily integrated with radio equipment. The antenna design was also investigated for SAR minimization and gain enhancement using metamaterial integration. For all operating frequency bands, the antenna design results in a considerable gain improvement. The metamaterial was shown to be an excellent absorber of radiation, particularly in high frequency regions. This research also included a SAR examination with and without metamaterial integration. SAR values were found to be significantly reduced throughout all operating bands. The results were validated by fabricating the design prototype on FR-4 substrate for 4G, 5G and IoT bands. The antenna will be possibly used for communication in high data rate applications.
ECO Driving Control for Intelligent Electric Vehicle with Real-Time Energy
Authors: He Hongli , Liu Dan , Lu Xiangyang , Xu Juncai
Published: October 2021

For the battery pack’s limited remaining power, two energy-aware ecological driving problems are discussed. A real-time energy-aware ecological driving control strategy is proposed to optimize energy consumption and meet the ECO driving demand. First, the vehicle longitudinal driving dynamics model and energy consumption model are established. Then, the optimal control problem is constructed with the maximum driving distance and the shortest driving time as the objective functions, respectively. With the multinomial Radau pseudo-spectral method, the optimization results of residual power, vehicle speed, and acceleration are obtained. The results show that in the case of in-vehicle driving the remaining power of the battery pack can be sensed in real-time, and the driving of intelligent electric vehicles can be planned in real-time to realize the most ecological driving with the largest driving distance and shortest driving time. The energy consumptions of vehicles, traveling at the same distance, are compared. The consumption obtained through optimization, is 26% less than the consumption of the vehicle that has not been optimized. The results show that the optimization process has certain advantages. In the future, as one of intelligent vehicles’ autonomous driving control strategies, the results have guiding and practical significance.
Tensile Strength of Ropes and Friction Hitch Used in Tree Climbing Work
Authors: Bianchini Leonardo , Picchio Rodolfo , Colantoni Andrea , Scotolati Marco , Di Stefano Valerio , Cecchini Massimo
Published: October 2021

Tree climbing techniques for arboriculture are becoming more and more popular, but like any work activity, there are risks for the operator. The PPE (personal protective equipment) and protective systems studied here include semi-static ropes and friction hitches. The work rope/friction hitch system is a combination that many operators rely on, but unlike current mechanical rope clamps and descenders, they do not have European certifications. For this reason, tensile tests were carried out using a traction bench on rope/knot systems. Two rope models and two types of knots were used to stress the systems and materials as much as possible, so as to observe the resulting ratios. A total of 36 tests were carried out in which measurements were taken, including applied load in traction, knot creep, and rope diameter changes. Several results were obtained, including a maximum load of 18.7 kN, a maximum slip of 9.6 cm and a maximum diameter variation of 3 mm. This work represents a preliminary investigation for verifying the relationship between work ropes and friction knots. Relationships among the variables were observed; differences emerged mainly as a function of the type of knot used rather than the type of rope used. The data obtained is also important for applications towards improving preventative safety measures.
A Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Height-Diameter Model with Interaction Effects of Stand Density and Site Index for Larix olgensis in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Fu Liyong , Sharma Ram P. , He Xiao , Zhang Huiru , Feng Linyan , Zhou Zeyu
Published: October 2021

Tree height is a basic input variable in various forest models, such as growth and yield models, biomass models, and carbon budget models, which serve as very important tools for the informed decision-making in forestry. The height-diameter model is the most important component of the growth and yield models and forest simulators. We developed the nonlinear mixed-effects height-diameter model with the interaction effects of stand density and site index introduced using data from 765 Larix olgensis trees in Jingouling forest farm of the Wangqing Forest Bureau in northeast China. Among the various basic versatile functions evaluated, a simple exponential growth function fitted the data adequately well, and this was then expanded through the introduction of the variables describing the interaction effects of the stand density and site index on the height-diameter relationship. Sample plot-level random effects were included into this model through mixed-effects modeling. The results showed that the random effect of the stand density on the height-diameter relationship was substantially different at different classes of the site index, and the random effect of the site index was different for the different stand density classes. The nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) height-diameter model coping with the interaction effects of the stand density and site index had a better performance than those of the NLME models with the random effect of the single variable of stand density or site index. To conclude, the inclusion of the interaction effects of stand density and site index could significantly improve the prediction accuracy of the height-diameter model for Larix olgensis Henry. The proposed model with the interactive random effects included can be applied for the accurate prediction of Larix olgensis tree height in northeast China.
Impact of Yeast Selection on Volatile Phenol Levels of Wines Produced from Smoked-Exposed Juice
Authors: du Plessis Heinrich W. , Hoff Justin W. , Mokwena Lucky , van der Rijst Marieta , Jolly Neil P.
Published: October 2021

Grapes exposed to smoke can result in wines that have unacceptable high levels of volatile phenols. High volatile phenols levels have a negative impact on wine quality. This study aimed to determine the levels of volatile phenols in wines produced from smoke-exposed juice by a selection of commercial wine yeasts and to determine if yeast selection affected the perception of smokiness in wine. Commercial white and red wine yeasts were screened for the production of volatile phenols in smoke-exposed Chenin Blanc and Merlot juice. Volatile phenol levels were determined by GC-MS/MS and wines were also subjected to sensory evaluation. Volatile phenol levels in smoked wines varied and was affected by yeast strain. The highest guaiacol levels in Chenin Blanc were found in wines fermented with QA23, while Merlot wines that underwent spontaneous alcoholic fermentation contained the highest levels. The levels of volatile phenols differed significantly between the smoked and unsmoked wines, and the sensory results supported the chemical data. Volatile phenols had a negative effect on Chenin Blanc flavor profiles even when the levels were below odor detection thresholds. Yeast selection is important and can affect the volatile phenol levels and flavor profiles of wines.
Novel Strategies for the Development of Healthier Meat and Meat Products and Determination of Their Quality Characteristics
Authors: Ruiz-Capillas Claudia , Herrero Ana M.
Published: October 2021

Meat and meat products are very popular foods and widely accepted by consumers [...]
Analysis of the Endogenous Peptidomes of Different Infant Formula Types and Human Milk
Authors: Wölk Michele , Gebauer Corinna , Hoffmann Ralf , Milkovska-Stamenova Sanja
Published: October 2021

Infant formula (IF) is a commonly used replacement whenever mother’s own milk is not available. Most IFs are based on cow milk (powders, liquids). Alternatives, based on other sources such as goat milk or plants, exist. Independent of the source, IF production and composition are strictly regulated. Besides proteins, minerals, and lipids, milk contains a variety of endogenous peptides. Whereas the human milk peptidome has been studied intensively, the peptidomes of IFs have been mostly neglected. This study investigated the peptidomes of different types of first stage IF, including cow milk-based powders and liquids, and powdered goat milk-based IF, highlighting major similarities and differences to human milk. Extracted native peptidomes were analyzed by nanoRPC-ESI-MS/MS using two different fragmentation techniques allowing the confident identification of 1587 peptides. β-Casein peptides dominated in all samples. Interestingly, powdered and liquid cow milk-based IFs differed in the numbers of β- and αS1-casein peptides, indicating processing-derived variations. However, the peptidomes of cow and goat milk-based IF appeared to be more comparable to each other than to human milk. Despite an overlap in the major source proteins, many peptide sequences were different, i.e., species-specific. Remarkably, the data indicate that the human milk peptidome might be donor-specific as well.
Quality and Stability Equivalence of High Pressure and/or Thermal Treatments in Peach–Strawberry Puree. A Multicriteria Study
Authors: Bleoanca Iulia , Patrașcu Livia , Borda Daniela
Published: October 2021

A bottom-up approach identifying equivalent effects of high-pressure processing (HPP—600 MPa, 20 °C, 10 min), thermal treatment (TT—70 °C, 15 min) and high pressure-mild thermal processing (HPMT—600 MPa, 50 °C, 10 min) on quality and stability of peach–strawberry puree was applied during refrigerated storage. TT and HPP ensured 3-log aerobic bacteria inactivation at first, while HPMT reduction was below the detection limit. After 21 days all samples had equivalent microbiological stability. A 2.6-fold increase in the residual activity of PPO and POD was found in the HPP sample compared to TT and HPMT samples (1st day); after 21 days PPO, POD and TPC were equivalent for TT and HPP peach–strawberry purees. Equivalent volatile profile and rheology behavior was observed after 21 days of all samples’ storage. Meanwhile, the color of the HPP, TT and HMPT samples remained significantly different (p < 0.05) throughout the whole storage period, with the lowest browning index registered for HPP samples.