bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Friend or Foe: Symbiotic Bacteria in Bactrocera dorsalis–Parasitoid Associations
Authors: Gwokyalya Rehemah , Weldon Christopher W. , Herren Jeremy Keith , Gichuhi Joseph , Makhulu Edward Edmond , Ndlela Shepard , Mohamed Samira Abuelgasim
Published: February 2023

Parasitoids are promising biocontrol agents of the devastating fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. However, parasitoid performance is a function of several factors, including host-associated symbiotic bacteria. Providencia alcalifaciens, Citrobacter freundii, and Lactococcus lactis are among the symbiotic bacteria commonly associated with B. dorsalis, and they influence the eco-physiological functioning of this pest. However, whether these bacteria influence the interaction between this pest and its parasitoids is unknown. This study sought to elucidate the nature of the interaction of the parasitoids, Fopius arisanus, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, and Psyttlia cosyrae with B. dorsalis as mediated by symbiotic bacteria. Three types of fly lines were used: axenic, symbiotic, and bacteria-mono-associated (Lactococcus lactis, Providencia alcalifaciens, and Citrobacter freundii). The suitable stages of each fly line were exposed to the respective parasitoid species and reared until the emergence of adult flies/parasitoids. Thereafter, data on the emergence and parasitoid fitness traits were recorded. No wasps emerged from the fly lines exposed to P. cosyrae. The highest emergence of F. arisanus and D. longicaudata was recorded in the L. lactis fly lines. The parasitoid progeny from the L. lactis and P. alcalifaciens fly lines had the longest developmental time and the largest body size. Conversely, parasitoid fecundity was significantly lower in the L. lactis lines, whereas the P. alcalifaciens lines significantly improved fecundity. These results elucidate some effects of bacterial symbionts on host–parasitoid interactions and their potential in enhancing parasitoid-oriented management strategies against B. dorsalis.
Cowpox Viruses: A Zoo Full of Viral Diversity and Lurking Threats
Authors: Bruneau Ryan C. , Tazi Loubna , Rothenburg Stefan
Published: February 2023

Cowpox viruses (CPXVs) exhibit the broadest known host range among the Poxviridae family and have caused lethal outbreaks in various zoo animals and pets across 12 Eurasian countries, as well as an increasing number of human cases. Herein, we review the history of how the cowpox name has evolved since the 1700s up to modern times. Despite early documentation of the different properties of CPXV isolates, only modern genetic analyses and phylogenies have revealed the existence of multiple Orthopoxvirus species that are currently constrained under the CPXV designation. We further chronicle modern outbreaks in zoos, domesticated animals, and humans, and describe animal models of experimental CPXV infections and how these can help shaping CPXV species distinctions. We also describe the pathogenesis of modern CPXV infections in animals and humans, the geographic range of CPXVs, and discuss CPXV–host interactions at the molecular level and their effects on pathogenicity and host range. Finally, we discuss the potential threat of these viruses and the future of CPXV research to provide a comprehensive review of CPXVs.
CDC42 Might Be a Molecular Signature of DWI-FLAIR Mismatch in a Nonhuman Primate Stroke Model
Authors: Huang Haiping , Wu Shuang , Liang Chengwei , Qin Chao , Ye Ziming , Tang Jingqun , Chen Xiangren , Xie Xiaoyun , Wang Cilan , Fu Jinfeng , Deng Mengyu , Liu Jingli
Published: February 2023

No definitive blood markers of DWI-FLAIR mismatch, a pivotal indicator of salvageable ischemic penumbra brain tissue, are known. We previously reported that CDC42 and RHOA are associated with the ischemic penumbra. Here, we investigated whether plasma CDC42 and RHOA are surrogate markers of DWI-FLAIR mismatch. Sixteen cynomolgus macaques (3 as controls and 13 for the stroke model) were included. Guided by digital subtraction angiography (DSA), a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established by occluding the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with a balloon. MRI and neurological deficit scoring were performed to evaluate postinfarction changes. Plasma CDC42 and RHOA levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The stroke model was successfully established in eight monkeys. Based on postinfarction MRI images, experimental animals were divided into a FLAIR (−) group (N = 4) and a FLAIR (+) group (N = 4). Plasma CDC42 in the FLAIR (−) group showed a significant decrease compared with that in the FLAIR (+) group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed for plasma RHOA. The FLAIR (−) group showed a milder neurological function deficit and a smaller infarct volume than the FLAIR (+) group (p < 0.05). Therefore, plasma CDC42 might be a new surrogate marker for DWI-FLAIR mismatch.
Polyphenolic Boronates Inhibit Tumor Cell Proliferation: Potential Mitigators of Oxidants in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Cheng Gang , Karoui Hakim , Hardy Micael , Kalyanaraman Balaraman
Published: February 2023

Boronate-based compounds have been used in brain cancer therapy, either as prodrugs or in combination with other modalities. Boronates containing pro-luminescent and fluorescent probes have been used in mouse models of cancer. In this study, we synthesized and developed polyphenolic boronates and mitochondria-targeted polyphenolic phytochemicals (e.g., magnolol [MGN] and honokiol [HNK]) and tested their antiproliferative effects in brain cancer cells. Results show that mitochondria-targeted (Mito) polyphenolic boronates (Mito-MGN-B and Mito-HNK-B) were slightly more potent than Mito-MGN and Mito-HNK in inhibiting proliferation of the U87MG cell line. Similar proliferation results also were observed in other cancer cell lines, such as MiaPaCa-2, A549 and UACC-62. Independent in vitro experiments indicated that reactive nitrogen species (e.g., peroxynitrite) and reactive oxygen species (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) stoichiometrically react with polyphenolic boronates and Mito-polphenolic boronates, forming polyphenols and Mito-polyphenols as major products. Previous reports suggest that both Mito-MGN and Mito-HNK activate cytotoxic T cells and inhibit immunosuppressive immune cells. We propose that Mito-polyphenolic boronate-based prodrugs may be used to inhibit tumor proliferation and mitigate oxidant formation in the tumor microenvironment, thereby generating Mito-polyphenols in situ, as well as showing activity in the tumor microenvironment.
Association between Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 and Osimertinib Tolerance in EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer via Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Tokumo Kentaro , Masuda Takeshi , Nakashima Taku , Namba Masashi , Yamaguchi Kakuhiro , Sakamoto Shinjiro , Horimasu Yasushi , Miyamoto Shintaro , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Fujitaka Kazunori , Miyata Yoshihiro , Okada Morihito , Hamada Hironobu , Hattori Noboru
Published: February 2023

Most epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells are killed within a few days after osimertinib treatment; however, surviving cells remain detectable and are called drug-tolerant cells. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was reported to be involved in chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic resistance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether PAI-1 is involved in osimertinib tolerance and whether it could be a therapeutic target for overcoming this tolerance. We showed that the PAI-1 mRNA expression levels and mesenchymal gene expression levels were significantly higher in drug-tolerant EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells than in control cells after 7 days of in vitro osimertinib treatment. Additionally, an RNA microarray analysis revealed upregulation of the integrin-induced EMT pathway in osimertinib-tolerant cells. Furthermore, we observed that PAI-1 inhibitors suppressed proliferation and the degree of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tolerant cells. Finally, in a subcutaneous tumor model, we showed that combining osimertinib with a PAI-1 inhibitor prevented the regrowth of tumors comprising EGFR-mutated cancer cells. The present study is the first to show PAI-1 to be involved in tolerance to osimertinib via EMT.
Analysis of the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes, Requirement of Insulin Treatment, and Diabetes-Related Complications among Patients with Cancer
Authors: Lee Su Jung , Kim Chulho , Yu Hyunjae , Kim Dong-Kyu
Published: February 2023

This retrospective nationwide population-based cohort study used a dataset collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. We evaluated incident type 2 diabetes, insulin requirements, and diabetes-associated complications during a 10-year follow-up period using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression models. In total, 8114 and 16,228 individuals with and without cancer, respectively, were enrolled. We found a higher incidence rate and an increased adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for new cases of type 2 diabetes in patients with cancer, compared with those without cancer. Additionally, patients with cancer had a higher risk of insulin requirement than patients without cancer (adjusted HR 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–1.78). Although there was no significant association between diabetes-associated complications and overall cancer diagnosis, specific cancer types (pancreas, bladder, and prostate) showed an increased risk of subsequent diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, clinicians should closely monitor patients with cancer for the early detection of type 2 diabetes and related morbidities.
Ultrastaging of the Parametrium in Cervical Cancer: A Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Bizzarri Nicolò , Arciuolo Damiano , Certelli Camilla , Pedone Anchora Luigi , Gallotta Valerio , Teodorico Elena , Carbone Maria Vittoria , Piermattei Alessia , Fanfani Francesco , Fagotti Anna , Ferrandina Gabriella , Zannoni Gian Franco , Scambia Giovanni , Querleu Denis
Published: February 2023

Occult parametrial involvement in apparent early-stage cervical cancer might be overlooked with standard pathologic assessment. The primary endpoint of the present study was to assess the rate of positive parametrial lymph nodes and of microscopic continuous or discontinuous parametrial involvement. This is a retrospective, single-center, observational study including patients with FIGO 2018 stage IA1–IIA1 and IIIC1p in whom bilateral sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection and ultrastaging of SLN were performed according to institutional protocol, with surgery as primary treatment performed between May 2017 and February 2021, as well as type B2/C1/C2 (Querleu–Morrow) radical hysterectomy and usual histology (squamous cell, adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma). Thirty-one patients were included in the study period. Six (18.7%) patients had metastatic lymph nodes, of whom four had only SLN metastasis (two cases of ITC, one case of micrometastasis and one case of macrometastasis). We found a macroscopic deposit of cancer cells in the parametrial lymph node of one patient (3.1%). There was a positive statistical correlation between the incidence of parametrial lymph node involvement and the metastatic pelvic lymph nodes (p = 0.038). When performed per patient, the sensitivity, negative predictive value and accuracy of parametrial lymph node involvement in predicting pelvic lymph node metastasis were 16.7%, 83.3% and 83.9%, respectively. Ultrastaging of parametrial tissue did not identify any occult continuous or discontinuous parametrial metastasis. In conclusion, the incidence of lymph node parametrial involvement in a retrospective series of early-stage cervical cancer was 3.1% of all included patients. Lymph node involvement of the parametrium was associated with lymph node metastasis. The sensitivity of parametrial lymph node involvement to predict pelvic lymph node metastasis was low. The lack of parametrial involvement revealed by parametrial ultrastaging could be related to the number of patients with tumors with a pathologic diameter < 2 cm (54.8%). Further prospective studies are needed to analyze the role of parametrial ultrastaging in early-stage cervical cancer and to assess whether it can be considered the “sentinel” of the sentinel lymph node.
Association of Multi-Phasic MR-Based Radiomic and Dosimetric Features with Treatment Response in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients following Novel Sequential TACE-SBRT-Immunotherapy
Authors: Ho Lok-Man , Lam Sai-Kit , Zhang Jiang , Chiang Chi-Leung , Chan Albert Chi-Yan , Cai Jing
Published: February 2023

This study aims to investigate the association of pre-treatment multi-phasic MR-based radiomics and dosimetric features with treatment response to a novel sequential trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) plus immunotherapy regimen in unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) sub-population. Twenty-six patients with unresectable HCC were retrospectively analyzed. Radiomic features were extracted from 42 lesions on arterial phase (AP) and portal-venous phase (PVP) MR images. Delta-phase (DeltaP) radiomic features were calculated as AP-to-PVP ratio. Dosimetric data of the tumor was extracted from dose-volume-histograms. A two-sided independent Mann–Whitney U test was used to assess the clinical association of each feature, and the classification performance of each significant independent feature was assessed using logistic regression. For the 3-month timepoint, four DeltaP-derived radiomics that characterize the temporal change in intratumoral randomness and uniformity were the only contributors to the treatment response association (p-value = 0.038–0.063, AUC = 0.690–0.766). For the 6-month timepoint, DeltaP-derived radiomic features (n = 4) maintained strong clinical associations with the treatment response (p-value = 0.047–0.070, AUC = 0.699–0.788), additional AP-derived radiomic features (n = 4) that reflect baseline tumoral arterial-enhanced signal pattern and tumor morphology (n = 1) that denotes initial tumor burden were shown to have strong associations with treatment response (p-value = 0.028–0.074, AUC = 0.719–0.773). This pilot study successfully demonstrated associations of pre-treatment multi-phasic MR-based radiomics with tumor response to the novel treatment regimen.
The Role of Catalysts in Functionalization of C-H and C-C Bonds
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed Mokhtar M. , Saleh Tamer Said S. , Ahmed Nerseen Said I.
Published: February 2023

Catalysis is one of the fundamental pillars of green chemistry [...]
Lyophilized Extracellular Vesicles from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Increase Muscle Reperfusion but Degrade Muscle Structural Proteins in A Mouse Model of Hindlimb Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Mendhe Bharati , Khan Mohammad B. , Dunwody Damon , El Baradie Khairat Bahgat Youssef , Smith Kathryn , Zhi Wenbo , Sharma Ashok , Lee Tae Jin , Hamrick Mark W.
Published: February 2023

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a complication impacting multiple organs and tissues in clinical conditions ranging from peripheral arterial disease to musculoskeletal trauma and myocardial infarction. Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may represent one therapeutic resource for preventing the tissue damage associated with I/R injury. Here we tested the hypothesis that lyophilized extracellular vesicles derived from adipose stem cells could serve as an “off-the-shelf” treatment modality for I/R injury in a mouse hindlimb ischemia model. Ischemia was induced for 90 min using a rubber band tourniquet and extracellular vesicles (0, 50, or 100 µg) administered via tail vein injection immediately prior to reperfusion. Perfusion was measured prior to, during, and after ischemia using laser Doppler imaging. Serum and tissue were collected 24 h after reperfusion. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics was used to characterize the EV cargo and proteins from the ischemic and non-ischemic hindlimb. Inflammatory cytokines were measured in muscle and serum using a multiplex array. Results indicate that EVs significantly increase reperfusion and significantly increase expression of the anti-inflammatory factor annexin a1 in skeletal muscle; however, the increased reperfusion was also associated with a marked decrease in muscle structural proteins such as dystrophin, plectin, and obscurin. Circulating inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 were increased with EV treatment, and serum TNF-alpha showed a significant, positive correlation with reperfusion level. These findings suggest that, while EVs may enhance reperfusion, the increased reperfusion can negatively impact muscle tissue and possibly remote organs. Alternative approaches, such as targeting mitochondrial permeability, may be more effective at mitigating I/R injury.
Degradation of Two Anti-Corrosion and Anti-Fouling Coating Systems in Simulated Diurnal Cycling Immersion
Authors: Zhang Hanlu , Kong Fabao , Chen Yiyang , Zhao Xuhui , Tang Yuming , Zuo Yu
Published: February 2023

The degradation process and the electrochemical behavior of two anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coating systems (FW-1 and FW-2) in a simulated diurnal cycling immersion environment (3.5% NaCl, 35 °C 12 h + 25 °C 12 h) were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technology. Combined with the coating gloss, color difference, adhesion strength and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests, the micro morphologies and the variations of the performance parameters were comparatively analyzed. The results showed that in the 160 days of immersion, with the hydrolysis of the FW-1 topcoat resin and some pigments dissolved and released, the surface micro-morphology of the coating changes from rough to smooth, thereby increasing the gloss. While, for the FW-2 topcoat, the occurrence of micro pores and tiny cracks results in an increase in the roughness and a decrease in the gloss. The release of the copper ion particles in the antifouling topcoat has an influence on the color, manifesting as obvious rise in the color difference of the coating. The low-frequency impedance (|Z|0.01 Hz) values of both coating samples decreases slowly, presenting a very good shielding to the carbon steel substrate. The self-polishing of the topcoat has no big effect on the electrochemical performance of the whole anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coating system; the protective performance of the coating system mainly depends on the integrity of the primer and the intermediate paint.
The Effect of Heat Treatment on the Structural-Phase State and Abrasive Wear Resistance of a Hard-Anodized Layer on Aluminum Alloy 1011
Authors: Student Mykhailo , Pohrelyuk Iryna , Padgurskas Juozas , Hvozdets’kyi Volodymyr , Zadorozna Khrystyna , Chumalo Halyna , Student Oleksandra , Kovalchuk Ihor
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the phase composition, hardness, and abrasion wear resistance of hard-anodized layers (HAL) on 1011 aluminum alloy. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the Al2O3·3H2O phase in the structure of HAL synthesized for 1 h. While in the heat-treated HAL, aluminum oxide phases of the α-Al2O3(amorphous) and γ-Al2O3(amorphous) types were found. Treatment at 400 °C for 1 h increased the HAL microhardness from 400 to 650 HV, and its abrasive wear resistance with fixed abrasive by up to 2.6 times. The ranking of various ways of hardening aluminum alloys relative to the D16 alloy showed that the abrasive wear resistance of heat-treated HAL is 20 times higher. Plasma electrolyte oxidation increased the abrasive wear resistance of the D16 alloy by 70–90 times, and its coating with high-speed oxygen fuel by 75–85 times. However, both methods are complex, energy-consuming, and require fine grinding of parts. Despite the lower wear resistance of HAL, their synthesis is cheaper and does not require the fine-tuning of parts. Moreover, despite the low hardness of HAL at present, hard anodizing is already commercially used to harden engine pistons, clamshell rotators, and pulleys.
Advances and Challenges in Pulsed Laser Deposition for Complex Material Applications
Authors: Duta Liviu , Mihailescu Ion N.
Published: February 2023

Various physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques, such as molecular beam epitaxy, electron beam physical vapor deposition, pulsed laser deposition (PLD), arc discharge, magnetron sputtering and/or ion beam sputtering, are currently used for coating or growing thin films on solid substrates [...]
Antioxidant and UV-Blocking Functionalized Poly(Butylene Succinate) Films
Authors: Coiai Serena , Migliore Nicola , Passaglia Elisa , Spiniello Roberto , Gambarotti Cristian , Cicogna Francesca
Published: February 2023

The introduction of a limited number of functional groups on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) chains by covalent bonding can impart new properties to the polymer without modifying its thermal and mechanical properties. In pursuit of a viable approach to obtain light- and heat-stabilized PBS samples, the nitroxide radical coupling (NRC) reaction between PBS macroradicals and the 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (BHB-TEMPO), a functionalizing agent bearing a sterically-hindered antioxidant phenol moiety, is here proposed. The reaction was initiated by peroxide and carried out in solution and in a melt. The functionalized materials were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analysis to gain structural information and by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to investigate the thermal properties. In addition, films of the samples were subjected to thermal and photo-oxidative aging to assess their resistance to degradative processes. Finally, the PBS film with the highest degree of functionalization showed the ability to protect β-carotene, a molecule found in food and drugs and that is very sensitive to UV light, from degradation. This result suggests the use of this material (either alone or blended with other biopolyesters) for biodegradable and compostable active packaging.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Properties of the New Laminar Quaternary Tellurides SrLnCuTe3 (Ln = Sm, Gd–Tm and Lu)
Authors: Ruseikina Anna , Grigoriev Maxim , Molokeev Maxim , Garmonov Alexander , Elyshev Andrey , Locke Ralf , Schleid Thomas
Published: February 2023

This paper reports for the first time on the new laminar quaternary orthorhombic heterometallic quaternary tellurides SrLnCuTe3, the fabrication of which has been a challenge until this work. Data on the crystal structure of tellurides complete the series of quaternary strontium chalcogenides SrLnCuCh3 (Ch = S, Se, Te). Single crystals of the compounds were synthesized from the elements by the halogenide-flux method at 1070 K. The compounds are crystallizing in two space groups Pnma (Ln = Sm, Gd and Tb) and Cmcm (Ln = Dy–Tm and Lu). For SrSmCuTe3 (a = 11.4592(7), b = 4.3706(3), c = 14.4425(9) Å, space group: Pnma) with the largest lanthanoid cation, Sr2+ shows C.N. = 7, whereas Sm3+ reveals a diminished coordination number C.N. = 6. For SrLuCuTe3 (a = 4.3064(3), b = 14.3879(9), c = 11.1408(7) Å, space group: Cmcm) with the smallest lanthanoid cation, coordination numbers of six are realized for both high-charged cations (Sr2+ and Lu3+: C.N. = 6). The cations Sr2+, Ln3+, Cu+ each take independent positions. The structures are built by distorted [CuTe4]7– tetrahedra, forming the infinite chains {∞1[Cu(Te1)1/1t(Te2)1/1t(Te3)2/2e]5−} along [010] in SrLnCuTe3 (Ln = Sm, Gd and Tb) and [100] in SrLnCuTe3 (Ln = Dy–Tm and Lu). The distortion of the polyhedra [CuTe4]7– was compared for the whole series SrLnCuTe3 by means of τ4-descriptor for the four coordinating Te2– anions, which revealed a decrease in the degree of distortion with a decreasing radius at Ln3+. The distorted octahedra [LnTe6]9– form layers {∞2[Ln(Te1)2/2(Te2)2/2(Te3)2/2]3−}. The distorted octahedra and tetrahedra fuse to form parallel layers {∞2[CuLnTe3]2−} and between them, the Sr2+ cations providing three-dimensionality of the structure are located. In the SrLnCuTe3 (Ln = Sm, Gd and Tb) structures, the Sr2+ cations center capped the trigonal prisms [SrTe6+1]12−, united in infinite chains {∞1[Sr(Te1)2/2(Te2)3/3(Te3)2/2]4−} along the [100] direction. The domains of existence of the Ba2MnS3, BaLaCuS3, Eu2CuS3 and KZrCuS3 structure types are defined in the series of orthorhombic chalcogenides SrLnCuCh3 (Ch = S, Se and Te). The tellurides SrLnCuTe3 (Ln = Tb–Er) of both structure types in the temperature range from 2 up to 300 K are paramagnetic, without showing clear signs of a magnetic phase transition.
Catching the Drift of Marine Invertebrate Diversity through Digital Repositories—A Case Study of the Mangroves and Seagrasses of Maputo Bay, Mozambique
Authors: Bento Marta , Paula José , Bandeira Salomão , Correia Alexandra Marçal
Published: February 2023

Mangroves and seagrasses present with high marine macroinvertebrate biodiversity that contributes to their structure and functioning. Macroinvertebrates possess a broad range of functional traits, making them excellent models for biodiversity and available-trait-based studies. This study aimed to characterize the biodiversity of marine macroinvertebrates as two different ecosystems situated along the coastline of Maputo Bay by compiling dispersed data from online databases. Specifically, this study addressed species richness, taxonomic and functional diversity based on two traits (habitat occupation and trophic guild), and the community structure of these traits. Mangroves presented with a higher species richness and taxonomic diversity than seagrasses. The functional diversity of mangroves was mostly explained by the trophic guild trait. In the case of seagrasses, functional diversity was mostly due to differences in habitat occupation in the 20th century, but the trophic guild accounted for this functional diversity from 2000 onwards. The comparison of community compositions between the two ecosystems showed low or no similarity. The use of digital databases revealed some limitations, mostly regarding the sampling methods and individual counts. The trends and data gaps presented in this study can be further used to inform subsequent systematic data acquisition and support the development of future research. A further step that may be taken to improve the use of digital data in future biodiversity studies is to fully incorporate functional traits, abundance and sampling methods into online databases.
“Redo” 2D–3D Fusion Technique during Endovascular Redo Aortic Repair
Authors: Minelli Fabrizio , Sica Simona , Salman Fadia , Donato Federica , Dvir May , Tshomba Yamume , Tinelli Giovanni
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The present study aims to describe a new 2D–3D fusion registration method in the case of endovascular redo aortic repair and compare the accuracy of the registration using the previously implanted devices vs. bones as landmarks. Materials and Methods: This single-center study prospectively analyzed all the patients that underwent elective endovascular re-interventions using the Redo Fusion technique between January 2016 and December 2021 at the Vascular Surgery Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli (FPUG)—IRCCS in Rome, Italy. The fusion overlay was performed twice, first using bone landmarks (bone fusion) and the second using radiopaque markers of a previous endovascular device (redo fusion). The pre-operative 3D model was fused with live fluoroscopy to create a roadmap. Longitudinal distances between the inferior margin of the target vessel in live fluoroscopy and the inferior margin of the target vessel in bone fusion and redo fusion were measured. Results: This single-center study prospectively analyzed 20 patients. There were 15 men and five women, with a median age of 69.7 (IQR 42) years. The median distance between the inferior margin of the target vessel ostium in digital subtraction angiography and the inferior margin of the target vessel ostium in bone fusion and redo fusion was 5.35 mm and 1.35 mm, respectively (p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: The redo fusion technique is accurate and allows the optimization of X-ray working views, supporting the endovascular navigation and vessel catheterization in case of endovascular redo aortic repair.
Comparison of Two Commercially Available Interferon-γ Release Assays for T-Cell-Mediated Immunity and Evaluation of Humoral Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers
Authors: Lochmanová Alexandra , Martinek Jan , Tomášková Hana , Zelená Hana , Dieckmann Kersten , Grage-Griebenow Evelin , Ježo Eduard , Janošek Jaroslav
Published: February 2023

Cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is an important component of the immune response to the virus. At present, two such tests based on interferon-gamma release (interferon-γ release assays, IGRAs) are available—Quan-T-Cell SARS-CoV-2 by EUROIMMUN and T-SPOT.COVID by Oxford Immunotec. In this paper, we compared the results of these two tests in 90 subjects employed at the Public Health Institute Ostrava who had previously undergone COVID-19 infection or were vaccinated against that disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first head-to-head comparison of these two tests evaluating T-cell-mediated immunity against SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we also evaluated humoral immunity in the same individuals using the in-house virus neutralization test and IgG ELISA assay. The evaluation yielded similar results for both IGRAs, with Quan-T-Cell appearing to be insignificantly (p = 0.08) more sensitive (all 90 individuals were at least borderline positive) than T-SPOT.COVID (negative results found in five patients). The overall qualitative (presence/absence of immune response) agreement of both tests with virus neutralization test and anti-S IgG was also excellent (close or equal to 100% in all subgroups, with the exception of unvaccinated Omicron convalescents, a large proportion of whom, i.e., four out of six subjects, were IgG negative while at least borderline positive for T-cell-mediated immunity measured by Quan-T). This implies that the evaluation of T-cell-mediated immunity is a more sensitive indicator of immune response than the evaluation of IgG seropositivity. This is true at least for unvaccinated patients with a history of being infected only by the Omicron variant, but also likely for other groups of patients.
Deep Neural Network for EEG Signal-Based Subject-Independent Imaginary Mental Task Classification
Authors: Siddiqui Farheen , Mohammad Awwab , Alam M. Afshar , Naaz Sameena , Agarwal Parul , Sohail Shahab Saquib , Madsen Dag Øivind
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND. Mental task identification using electroencephalography (EEG) signals is required for patients with limited or no motor movements. A subject-independent mental task classification framework can be applied to identify the mental task of a subject with no available training statistics. Deep learning frameworks are popular among researchers for analyzing both spatial and time series data, making them well-suited for classifying EEG signals. METHOD. In this paper, a deep neural network model is proposed for mental task classification for an imagined task from EEG signal data. Pre-computed features of EEG signals were obtained after raw EEG signals acquired from the subjects were spatially filtered by applying the Laplacian surface. To handle high-dimensional data, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed which helps in the extraction of most discriminating features from input vectors. RESULT. The proposed model is non-invasive and aims to extract mental task-specific features from EEG data acquired from a particular subject. The training was performed on the average combined Power Spectrum Density (PSD) values of all but one subject. The performance of the proposed model based on a deep neural network (DNN) was evaluated using a benchmark dataset. We achieved 77.62% accuracy. CONCLUSION. The performance and comparison analysis with the related existing works validated that the proposed cross-subject classification framework outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithm in terms of performing an accurate mental task from EEG signals.
Autoimmunity, COVID-19 Omicron Variant, and Olfactory Dysfunction: A Literature Review
Authors: Patt Yonatan , Fisher Lior , David Paula , Bergwerk Moriah , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: February 2023

Smelling is a critical sense utilized daily. Consequently, smelling impairment or anosmia may lead to a reduction in life quality. Systemic diseases and particular autoimmune conditions can impair olfactory function; among others are Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjögren Syndrome, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Interactions between the olfactory process and the immune systems cause this phenomenon. Alongside autoimmune conditions, in the recent COVID-19 pandemic, anosmia was also described as a prevalent infection symptom. Nevertheless, the occurrence of anosmia is significantly less common in Omicron-infected patients. Several theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. One possibility is that the Omicron variant preferentially enters host cells via endocytosis, rather than plasma cell membrane fusion. This endosomal pathway is less dependent on the activation of Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), expressed at the olfactory epithelium. As a result, the Omicron variant may have reduced efficiency in penetrating the olfactory epithelium, leading to a lower prevalence of anosmia. Furthermore, olfactory changes are known to be associated with inflammatory conditions. The Omicron variant elicits a less robust autoimmune and inflammatory response, believed to reduce the probability of anosmia. This review elaborates on the commonalities and differences in autoimmune and COVID-19 omicron-associated anosmia.
Synchronization and Control of a Single-Phase Grid-Tied Inverter under Harmonic Distortion
Authors: Seifi Kamyar , Moallem Mehrdad
Published: February 2023

Grid-connected inverters in renewable energy systems must provide high-quality power to the grid according to regulatory standards such as the IEEE 1547. To provide high-quality current control when the inverter is connected to a distorted grid, the frequency and phase information of the fundamental harmonic of the grid should be accurately obtained. This paper examines controller design for a single-phase inverter when there is distortion in the grid voltage. The control structure is designed to enhance the quality of the injected current into the grid. To this end, a frequency-locked loop (FLL) sinusoidal tracking controller which is able to reject the grid harmonics is proposed. Thus, the contribution of this paper is a new frequency-locked loop structure with adaptive notch filters that can provide accurate estimation of grid phase and frequency and improve the performance of single-phase inverters working under harmonic distortion. We also present an explanation of how the proposed adaptive nonlinear scheme can be discretized for digital implementation on a microcontroller. Experimental and simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed controller in eliminating distortion and enhancing the quality of the produced power.
Investigating Trace Equivalences in Information Networks
Authors: Li Run , Wu Jinzhao , Hu Wujie
Published: February 2023

Equivalences are widely used and have achieved much success in concurrent systems. Meanwhile, information networks are ubiquitous for representing many complex systems and have similar characteristics and properties to concurrent systems such that they both can be described by graphs. In order to simplify information networks, we introduce equivalence to information networks, specifically leveraging the trace equivalence to reduce the complexity of these networks. In this paper, we first define the concept of trace and trace equivalence in information networks, drawing on the similar concept of concurrent systems. We then propose a computational method for determining whether two nodes are trace equivalent in an information network. With the help of this method, we derive trace-equivalent networks from original networks. Experiments show that we are able to reduce the number of nodes in the ACM and DBLP datasets by at most 65.21% and 46.68%, respectively. Running the PathSim algorithm on the original and derived networks, the mean error is 0.0728 in ACM and 0.0446 in DBLP. Overall, the results indicate that the derived networks have fewer nodes and edges than the original networks, yet still capture the same or similar information. By using trace equivalence, we are able to simplify information networks and improve their efficiency while preserving most of their informational content.
Memristors Based on Many-Layer Non-Stoichiometric Germanosilicate Glass Films
Authors: Yushkov Ivan D. , Yin Liping , Kamaev Gennadiy N. , Prosvirin Igor P. , Geydt Pavel V. , Vergnat Michel , Volodin Vladimir A.
Published: February 2023

Nonstoichiometric GeSixOy glass films and many-layer structures based on them were obtained by high-vacuum electron beam vapor deposition (EBVD). Using EBVD, the GeO2, SiO, SiO2, or Ge powders were co-evaporated and deposited onto a cold (100 °C) p+-Si(001) substrate with resistivity ρ = 0.0016 ± 0.0001 Ohm·cm. The as-deposited samples were studied by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. A transparent indium–tin–oxide (ITO) contact was deposited as the top electrode, and memristor metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structures were fabricated. The current–voltage characteristics (I–V), as well as the resistive switching cycles of the MIS, have been studied. Reversible resistive switching (memristor effect) was observed for one-layer GeSi0.9O2.8, two-layer GeSi0.9O1.8/GeSi0.9O2.8 and GeSi0.9O1.8/SiO, and three-layer SiO2/a–Ge/GeSi0.9O2.8 MIS structures. For a one-layer MIS structure, the number of rewriting cycles reached several thousand, while the memory window (the ratio of currents in the ON and OFF states) remained at 1–2 orders of magnitude. Intermediate resistance states were observed in many-layer structures. These states may be promising for use in multi-bit memristors and for simulating neural networks. In the three-layer MIS structure, resistive switching took place quite smoothly, and hysteresis was observed in the I–V characteristics; such a structure can be used as an “analog” memristor.
Application Model for Innovative Sports Practice Teaching in Colleges Using Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Mi Yang
Published: February 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) have promoted teaching reform while improving people’s lives. Under the new teaching environment, the position of physical education (PE) teaching in the teaching work has become increasingly prominent. At present, there are some problems in the PE teaching mode of most colleges and universities, such as poor teaching environment, unstable teaching data, and lack of technical support for the teaching system. This also leads to the low quality of PE teaching and unsatisfactory teaching results. In this paper, IoT and AI are combined to study the application mode of innovative practical teaching in college PE. This paper first constructs a physical education teaching system based on the Internet of Things, then summarizes the necessity of artificial intelligence technology participating in the reform of physical education classroom teaching, and gives a specific teaching application model. Finally, based on the golden sine algorithm-optimization neural network, the application model of college physical education in this paper is evaluated. Through experiments and investigations, the new teaching mode improves the teaching efficiency by 14.7%, improves the teaching quality, and provides reference for the next development of IoT and AI in teaching.
A Multi-Scale Traffic Object Detection Algorithm for Road Scenes Based on Improved YOLOv5
Authors: Li Ang , Sun Shijie , Zhang Zhaoyang , Feng Mingtao , Wu Chengzhong , Li Wang
Published: February 2023

Object detection in road scenes is a task that has recently become popular and it is also an important part of intelligent transportation systems. Due to the different locations of cameras in the road scenes, the size of the traffic objects captured varies greatly, which imposes a burden on the network optimization. In addition, in some dense traffic scenes, the size of the traffic objects captured is extremely small and it is easy to miss detection and to encounter false detection. In this paper, we propose an improved multi-scale YOLOv5s algorithm based on the YOLOv5s algorithm. In detail, we add a detection head for extremely small objects to the original YOLOv5s model, which significantly improves the accuracy in detecting extremely small traffic objects. A content-aware reassembly of features (CARAFE) module is introduced in the feature fusion part to enhance the feature fusion. A new SPD-Conv CNN Module is introduced instead of the original convolutional structure to enhance the overall computational efficiency of the model. Finally, the normalization-based attention module (NAM) is introduced, allowing the model to focus on more useful information during training and significantly improving detection accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate that compared with the original YOLOv5s algorithm, the detection accuracy of the multi-scale YOLOv5s model proposed in this paper is improved by 7.1% on the constructed diverse traffic scene datasets. The improved multi-scale YOLOv5s algorithm also maintains the highest detection accuracy among the current mainstream object detection algorithms and is superior in accomplishing the task of detecting traffic objects in complex road scenes.
Covering Arrays ML HPO for Static Malware Detection
Authors: ALGorain Fahad T. , Clark John A.
Published: February 2023

Malware classification is a well-known problem in computer security. Hyper-parameter optimisation (HPO) using covering arrays (CAs) is a novel approach that can enhance machine learning classifier accuracy. The tuning of machine learning (ML) classifiers to increase classification accuracy is needed nowadays, especially with newly evolving malware. Four machine learning techniques were tuned using cAgen, a tool for generating covering arrays. The results show that cAgen is an efficient approach to achieve the optimal parameter choices for ML techniques. Moreover, the covering array shows a significant promise, especially cAgen with regard to the ML hyper-parameter optimisation community, malware detectors community and overall security testing. This research will aid in adding better classifiers for static PE malware detection.
Recent Trends in Fire Regimes and Associated Territorial Features in a Fire-Prone Mediterranean Region
Authors: Moreira Francisco , Leal Miguel , Bergonse Rafaello , Canadas Maria João , Novais Ana , Oliveira Sandra , Ribeiro Paulo Flores , Zêzere José Luís , Santos José Lima
Published: February 2023

Fire regimes in Mediterranean countries have been shifting in recent decades, including changes in wildfire size and frequency. We sought to describe changes in fire regimes across two periods (1975–1995 and 1996–2018) in a fire-prone region of central Portugal, explore the relationships between these regimes and territorial features, and check whether these associations persisted across periods. Two independent indicators of fire regimes were determined at parish level: fire incidence and burn concentration. Most parishes presented higher values of both indicators in the second period. Higher values of fire incidence were associated with lower population densities, lower proportions of farmland areas and higher proportions of natural vegetation. Higher levels of burn concentration were associated with smaller areas of farmland and natural vegetation. These associations differed across periods, reflecting contrasting climatic and socio-economic contexts. Keeping 40% of a parish territory covered by farmland was effective to buffer the increased wildfire risks associated with different management and climate contexts. The effectiveness of higher population densities in keeping fire incidence low decreased in the last decades. The results can improve the knowledge on the temporal evolution of fire regimes and their conditioning factors, providing contributions for spatial planning and forest/wildfire management policies.
An Empirical Modelling and Simulation Framework for Fire Events Initiated by Vegetation and Electricity Network Interactions
Authors: Wilson Roy , Wickramasuriya Rohan , Marchiori Dean
Published: February 2023

Electrical infrastructure is one of the major causes of bushfire in Australia alongside arson and lightning strikes. The two main causes of electrical-infrastructure-initiated fires are asset failure and powerline vegetation interactions. In this paper, we focus on powerline–vegetation interactions that are caused by vegetation falling onto or blowing onto electrical infrastructure. Currently, there is very limited understanding of both the spatio-temporal variability of these events and their causative factors. Bridging this knowledge gap provides an opportunity for electricity utility companies to optimally allocate vegetation management resources and to understand the risk profile presented by vegetation fall-in initiated fires, thereby improving both operational planning and strategic resource allocation. To bridge this knowledge gap, we developed a statistical rare-event modelling and simulation framework based on Endeavour Energy’s fire start and incident records from the last 10 years. The modelling framework consists of nested, rare-event-corrected, conditional probability models for vegetation events and consequent ignition events that provide an overall model for vegetation-initiated ignitions. Model performance was tested on an out-of-time test set to determine the predictive utility of the models. Predictive performance was reasonable with test set AUC values of 0.79 and 0.66 for the vegetation event and ignition event models, respectively. The modelling indicates that wind speed and vegetation features are strongly associated with vegetation events, and that Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) and soil type are strongly associated with ignition events. The framework can be used by energy utilities to optimize resource allocation and prepare future networks for climate change.
Evaluating Urban Fire Risk Based on Entropy-Cloud Model Method Considering Urban Safety Resilience
Authors: Bai Minghao , Liu Qiong
Published: February 2023

Creating a safe and resilient urban environment is a crucial part of sustainable urban development. Therefore, it is imperative that a city’s safety resilience is evaluated from various perspectives. To evaluate and improve the resilience of urban fire safety more scientifically, this study proposes a theoretical framework for evaluating urban safety resilience based on the triangle model and an index system including fire hazard, regional characteristics, and fire resilience is established. The entropy weight method and cloud model are used for quantitative evaluation, and the weights and risk level ratings are analyzed and discussed. The results demonstrate that the method considering urban safety resilience plays a significant role in promoting the development of urban fire safety and can provide a reference for policymakers in improving fire services.