bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GPS Receiver VFLL-Assisted PLL High Dynamic Weak Signal Tracking Based on a Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Shufang , Jiang Yi
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes a GPS receiver vector frequency-locked loop-assisted phase-locked loop (VFAPLL) structure based on the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method for highly dynamic weak-signal scenarios. In this structure, the loop structure does not include a frequency discriminator, and the signal is directly input to the navigation filter after down-conversion, coherent integration, and other processing to avoid nonlinear noise error. Due to the high dimension and nonlinearity of the cost function of the MLE algorithm, the Levenberg Marquardt (LM) algorithm is used to optimize it. The proposed VFAPLL is compared with the VFAPLL implemented based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm and the frequency locked loop assisted phase locked loop (FAPLL) implemented based on MLE. Through simulation verification, it was shown that the VFAPLL (MLE) has higher tracking accuracy, lower loss-of-lock threshold, and better robustness to the input signal than the other two loops.
Computational Biology and Machine Learning Approaches Identify Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) Genome Encoded MicroRNAs Targeting Rubber Tree Virus 1
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Aleem , Tariq Hafiza Kashaf , Hu Xiao-Wen , Khan Jallat , Zou Zhi
Published: December 2022

Tapping panel dryness (TPD), a complex physiological syndrome associated with the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.), causes cessation of latex drainage upon tapping and thus threatens rubber production. Rubber tree virus 1 (RTV1) is a novel positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus from the Betaflexiviridae (genus Capillovirus), which has been established to cause TPD. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the interplay between viruses and host cells. In this study, we identified the rubber tree genome-encoded miRNAs and their therapeutic targets against RTV1. We applied computational algorithms to predict target binding sites of rubber tree miRNAs potentially targeting RTV1 RNA genome. Mature rubber-tree miRNAs are retrieved from the miRBase database and are used for hybridization of the RTV1 genome. A total of eleven common rubber-tree miRNAs were identified based on consensus genomic positions. The consensus of four algorithms predicted the hybridization sites of the hbr-miR396a and hbr-miR398 at common genomic loci (6676 and 1840), respectively. A miRNA-regulatory network of rubber tree was constructed with the RTV1— ORFs using Circos, is illustrated to analyze therapeutic targets. Overall, this study provides the first computational evidence of the reliable miRNA–mRNA interaction between specific rubber tree miRNAs and RTV1 genomic RNA transcript. Therefore, the predicted data offer valuable evidence for the development of RTV1-resistant rubber tree in the future. Our work suggests that similar computational host miRNA prediction strategies are warranted for identification of the miRNA targets in the other viral genomes.
Anomaly Monitoring of Process Based on Recurrent Timeliness Rules (AMP-RTR)
Authors: Liu Zehua , Ding Xuefeng , Tang Jun , Jiang Yuming , Hu Dasha
Published: December 2022

At present, many manufacturing enterprises have business systems such as MES, SPC, etc. In the manufacturing process, a large amount of data with periodic time series will be generated. How to evaluate the timeliness of periodically generated data according to a large number of time series is important content in the field of data quality research. At the same time, it can solve the demand of abnormal monitoring of production process faced by manufacturing enterprises based on the regularity change for periodic data timeliness. Most of the existing data timeliness evaluation models are based on a single fixed time stamp, which is not suitable for effective evaluation of periodic data with time series. In addition, the existing data timeliness evaluation methods cannot be applied to the field of process anomaly monitoring. In this paper, the Anomaly Monitoring of Process based on Recurrent Timeliness Rules (AMP-RTR) is proposed to meet the needs of periodic data timeliness evaluation and production process anomaly monitoring. RTR is the Rules defined to evaluate the timeliness of periodically generated data. AMP is to infer the abnormality of the product production process through the abnormality of the regularity change for periodic data timeliness based on RTR. The AMP-RTR model evaluates the timeliness of data in each cycle according to the time series generated periodically. At the same time, after the updated data arrives, the initial timeliness score of the next cycle is calculated. There are two cases in which the evaluation value of timeliness is abnormal. The first case is that the timeliness score value is less than the lower limit after updating. The second case is that the number of times the timeliness score exceeds the upper limit meets the set threshold. The user can dynamically adjust the production process according to the abnormal warning of the model. Finally, in order to verify the applicability of the AMP-RTR, we conducted simulation experiments on synthetic datasets and semiconductor manufacturing datasets. The experimental results show that the AMP-RTR can effectively monitor the abnormal conditions of various production processes in the manufacturing industry by adjusting the parameters of the model.
Performance Analysis of Reinforcement Learning Techniques for Augmented Experience Training Using Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Mahajan Smita , Patil Shruti , Bhavnagri Moinuddin , Singh Rashmi , Kalra Kshitiz , Saini Bhumika , Kotecha Ketan , Saini Jatinderkumar
Published: December 2022

This paper aims at analyzing the performance of reinforcement learning (RL) agents when trained in environments created by a generative adversarial network (GAN). This is a first step towards the greater goal of developing fast-learning and robust RL agents by leveraging the power of GANs for environment generation. The RL techniques that we tested were exact Q-learning, approximate Q-learning, approximate SARSA and a heuristic agent. The task for the agents was to learn how to play the game Super Mario Bros (SMB). This analysis will be helpful in suggesting which RL techniques are best suited for augmented experience training (with synthetic environments). This would further help in establishing a reinforcement learning framework using the agents that can learn faster by bringing a greater variety in environment exploration.
Aquatic Products’ Quality, Processing and Preserving: Recent Developments, Trends and Advances
Authors: Pan Chuang , Wu Haiyun , Zhao Yongqiang
Published: December 2022

According to the FAO, the production of global fisheries and aquaculture has reached 214 million tonnes, and the amount for human consumption reached 20 [...]
Non-Destructive Evaluation of the Quality of Adhesive Joints Using Ultrasound, X-ray, and Feature-Based Data Fusion
Authors: Jasiūnienė Elena , Yilmaz Bengisu , Smagulova Damira , Bhat Gawher Ahmad , Cicėnas Vaidotas , Žukauskas Egidijus , Mažeika Liudas
Published: December 2022

The aim of this work is to achieve reliable nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of adhesively bonded aerospace components by developing novel multidimensional data fusion techniques, which would combine the information obtained by ultrasonic and X-ray NDE methods. Separately, both NDE techniques have their advantages and limitations. The integration of data obtained from pulse echo immersion ultrasound testing and radiography holds immense potential to help improve the reliability of non-destructive evaluation. In this study, distinctive features obtained from single techniques, traditional ultrasonic pulse echo testing, and radiography, as well as fused images, were investigated and the suitability of these distinctive features and fusion techniques for improving the probability of defect detection was evaluated. For this purpose, aluminum single lap joints with brass inclusions were analyzed using ultrasound pulse echo and radiography techniques. The distinctive features were extracted from the data obtained, and images of features obtained by both techniques were fused together. Different combinations of features and fusion algorithms were investigated, considering the desire to automate data evaluation in the future.
Reducing the Complexity of Musculoskeletal Models Using Gaussian Process Emulators
Authors: Benemerito Ivan , Montefiori Erica , Marzo Alberto , Mazzà Claudia
Published: December 2022

Musculoskeletal models (MSKMs) are used to estimate the muscle and joint forces involved in human locomotion, often associated with the onset of degenerative musculoskeletal pathologies (e.g., osteoarthritis). Subject-specific MSKMs offer more accurate predictions than their scaled-generic counterparts. This accuracy is achieved through time-consuming personalisation of models and manual tuning procedures that suffer from potential repeatability errors, hence limiting the wider application of this modelling approach. In this work we have developed a methodology relying on Sobol’s sensitivity analysis (SSA) for ranking muscles based on their importance to the determination of the joint contact forces (JCFs) in a cohort of older women. The thousands of data points required for SSA are generated using Gaussian Process emulators, a Bayesian technique to infer the input–output relationship between nonlinear models from a limited number of observations. Results show that there is a pool of muscles whose personalisation has little effects on the predictions of JCFs, allowing for a reduced but still accurate representation of the musculoskeletal system within shorter timeframes. Furthermore, joint forces in subject-specific and generic models are influenced by different sets of muscles, suggesting the existence of a model-specific component to the sensitivity analysis.
Clustering-Based Segmented Regression for Particulate Matter Sensor Calibration
Authors: Liu Sijie , Liu Xinyu , Lu Pei
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, sensor-based air pollution sensing systems are widely deployed for fine-grained pollution monitoring. In-field calibration plays an important role in maintaining sensory data quality. Determining the model structure is challenging using existing methods of variable global fitting models for in-field calibration. This is because the mechanism of interference factors is complex and there is often insufficient prior knowledge on a specific sensor type. Although Artificial-Neuron-Net-based (ANN-based) methods ignore the complex conditions above, they also have problems regarding generalization, interpretability, and calculation cost. In this paper, we propose a clustering-based segmented regression method for particulate matter (PM) sensor in-field calibration. Interference from relative humidity and temperature are taken into consideration in the particulate matter concentration calibration model. Samples for modeling are divided into clusters and each cluster has an individual multiple linear regression equation. The final calibrated result of one sample is calculated from the regression model of the cluster the sample belongs to. The proposed method is evaluated under in-field deployment and performs better than a global multiple regression method both on PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants with, respectively, at least 16% and 9% improvement ratio on RMSE error. In addition, the proposed method is insensitive to reduction of training data and increase in cluster number. Moreover, it may bear lighter calculation cost, less overfitting problems and better interpretability. It can improve the efficiency and performance of post-deployment sensor calibration.
Orbit Tracing Properties on Hyperspaces and Fuzzy Dynamical Systems
Authors: Bartoll Salud , Martínez-Giménez Félix , Peris Alfred , Rodenas Francisco
Published: December 2022

Let X be a compact metric space and a continuous map f:X→X which defines a discrete dynamical system (X,f). The map f induces two natural maps, namely f¯:K(X)→K(X) on the hyperspace K(X) of non-empty compact subspaces of X and the Zadeh’s extension f^:F(X)→F(X) on the space F(X) of normal fuzzy set. In this work, we analyze the interaction of some orbit tracing dynamical properties, namely the specification and shadowing properties of the discrete dynamical system (X,f) and its induced discrete dynamical systems (K(X),f¯) and (F(X),f^). Adding an algebraic structure yields stronger conclusions, and we obtain a full characterization of the specification property in the hyperspace, in the fuzzy space, and in the phase space X if we assume that the later is a convex compact subset of a (metrizable and complete) locally convex space and f is a linear operator.
Bayesian Statistical Method Enhance the Decision-Making for Imperfect Preventive Maintenance with a Hybrid Competing Failure Mode
Authors: Fang Chih-Chiang , Hsu Chin-Chia , Liu Je-Hung
Published: December 2022

The study aims to provide a Bayesian statistical method with natural conjugate for facilities’ preventive maintenance scheduling related to the hybrid competing failure mode. An effective preventive maintenance strategy not only can improve a system’s health condition but also can increase a system’s efficiency, and therefore a firm needs to make an appropriate strategy for increasing the utilization of a system with reasonable costs. In the last decades, preventive maintenance issues of deteriorating systems have been studied in the related literature, and hundreds of maintenance/replacement models have been created. However, few studies focused on the issue of hybrid deteriorating systems which are composed of maintainable and non-maintainable failure modes. Moreover, due to the situations of the scarcity of historical failure data, the related analyses of preventive maintenance would be difficult to perform. Based on the above two reasons, this study proposed a Bayesian statistical method to deal with such preventive maintenance problems. Non-homogeneous Poisson processes (NHPP) with power law failure intensity functions are employed to describe the system’s deterioration behavior. Accordingly, the study can provide useful ways to help managers to make effective decisions for preventive maintenance. To apply the proposed models in actual cases, the study provides solution algorithms and a computerized architecture design for decision-makers to realize the computerization of decision-making.
Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Green Gold Nanoparticles and Tannin-Based Derivatives
Authors: De Lima Oliveira Elisângela Gomes , Vieira Simone Araújo , Da Silva Fernando Antônio Gomes , Da Costa Mateus Matiuzzi , Gomes Anderson S. L. , De Oliveira Helinando P.
Published: December 2022

The development of composites with antibacterial activity represents an important strategy to avoid side effects such as increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In particular, the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles avoids the use of hazardous chemical compounds and introduces the intrinsic beneficial properties of plant-derived compounds. Herein, the reduction of gold salt into metal nanoparticles was provided by the action of a cationic polymer derived from tannin (Tanfloc®). Comparative activity of antibacterial agents (pure Tanfloc and Au NPs—Tanfloc) at different concentrations were evaluated in terms of the antibiofilm activity, kill-time assays and inhibition haloes confirming the antibacterial activity of the Tanfloc that is reinforced by the incorporation of reduced gold nanoparticles, resulting in the complete elimination of S. aureus from an initial concentration of 108 CFU/mL after 120 min of reaction of Au NPs + Tanfloc solution in association with strong inhibition of the biofilm formation attributed to the Tanfloc.
Reference Values for 3D Spinal Posture Based on Videorasterstereographic Analyses of Healthy Adults
Authors: Huthwelker Janine , Konradi Jürgen , Wolf Claudia , Westphal Ruben , Schmidtmann Irene , Drees Philipp , Betz Ulrich
Published: December 2022

Visual examinations are commonly used to analyze spinal posture. Even though they are simple and fast, their interrater reliability is poor. Suitable alternatives should be objective, non-invasive, valid and reliable. Videorasterstereography (VRS) is a corresponding method that is increasingly becoming established. However, there is a lack of reference data based on adequate numbers of participants and structured subgroup analyses according to sex and age. We used VRS to capture the spinal posture of 201 healthy participants (aged 18–70 years) divided into three age cohorts. Three-dimensional reference data are presented for the global spine parameters and for every vertebral body individually (C7-L4) (here called the specific spine parameters). The vertebral column was found to be systematically asymmetric in the transverse and the coronal planes. Graphical presentations of the vertebral body posture revealed systematic differences between the subgroups; however, large standard deviations meant that these differences were not significant. In contrast, several global parameters (e.g., thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis) indicated differences between the analyzed subgroups. The findings confirm the importance of presenting reference data not only according to sex but also according to age in order to map physiological posture changes over the life span. The question also arises as to whether therapeutic approximations to an almost symmetrical spine are biomechanically desirable.
The Osteogenic Potential of Falciform Ligament-Derived Stromal Cells—A Comparative Analysis between Two Osteogenic Induction Programs
Authors: Ferreira-Baptista Carla , Queirós André , Ferreira Rita , Fernandes Maria Helena , Colaço Bruno , Gomes Pedro Sousa
Published: December 2022

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have gained special relevance in bone tissue regenerative applications. MSCs have been isolated from different depots, with adipose tissue being acknowledged as one of the most convenient sources, given the wide availability, high cellular yield, and obtainability. Recently, the falciform ligament (FL) has been regarded as a potential depot for adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (FL-ADSCs) isolation. Nonetheless, the osteogenic capability of FL-ADSCs has not been previously characterized. Thus, the present study aimed the detailed characterization of FL-ADSCs’ functionality upon osteogenic induction through a classic (dexamethasone-based-DEX) or an innovative strategy with retinoic acid (RA) in a comparative approach with ADSCs from a control visceral region. Cultures were characterized for cell proliferation, metabolic activity, cellular morphology, fluorescent cytoskeletal and mitochondrial organization, and osteogenic activity–gene expression analysis and cytochemical staining. FL-derived populations expressed significantly higher levels of osteogenic genes and cytochemical markers, particularly with DEX induction, as compared to control ADSCs that were more responsive to RA. FL-ADSCs were identified as a potential source for bone regenerative applications, given the heightened osteogenic functionality. Furthermore, data highlighted the importance of the selection of the most adequate osteogenic-inducing program concerning the specificities of the basal cell population.
In Vitro Antimicrobial and Anticancer Peculiarities of Ytterbium and Cerium Co-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Hannachi Essia , Khan Firdos , Slimani Yassine , Rehman Suriya , Trabelsi Zayneb , Akhtar Sultan , Al-Suhaimi Ebtesam
Published: December 2022

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are a promising platform for their use in biomedical research, especially given their anticancer and antimicrobial activities. This work presents the synthesis of ZnO NPs doped with different amounts of rare-earth ions of ytterbium (Yb) and cerium (Ce) and the assessment of their anticancer and antimicrobial activities. The structural investigations indicated a hexagonal wurtzite structure for all prepared NPs. The particle size was reduced by raising the amount of Ce and Yb in ZnO. The anticancer capabilities of the samples were examined by the cell viability MTT assay. Post 48-h treatment showed a reduction in the cancer cell viability, which was x = 0.00 (68%), x = 0.01 (58.70%), x = 0.03 (80.94%) and x = 0.05 (64.91%), respectively. We found that samples doped with x = 0.01 and x = 0.05 of Yb and Ce showed a better inhibitory effect on HCT-116 cancer cells than unadded ZnO (x = 0.00). The IC50 for HCT-116 cells of Ce and Yb co-doped ZnO nanoparticles was calculated and the IC50 values were x = 0.01 (3.50 µg/mL), x = 0.05 (8.25 µg/mL), x = 0.00 (11.75 µg/mL), and x = 0.03 (21.50 µg/mL). The treatment-doped ZnO NPs caused apoptotic cell death in the HCT-116 cells. The nanoparticles showed inhibitory action on both C. albicans and E. coli. It can be concluded that doping ZnO NPs with Yb and Ce improves their apoptotic effects on cancer and microbial cells.
Mechanism and Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhu Peijun , Li Ting , Li Qingqing , Gu Yawen , Shu Yuan , Hu Kaibo , Chen Leifeng , Peng Xiaogang , Peng Jie , Hao Liang
Published: December 2022

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor, often occurring in children and adolescents. The etiology of most patients is unclear, and the current conventional treatment methods are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical resection. However, the sensitivity of osteosarcoma to radiotherapy and chemotherapy is low, and the prognosis is poor. The development of new and useful treatment strategies for improving patient survival is an urgent need. It has been found that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ERS) affects tumor angiogenesis, invasion, etc. By summarizing the literature related to osteosarcoma and ERS, we found that the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway activated by ERS has a regulatory role in osteosarcoma proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. In osteosarcoma, the UPR pathway plays an important role by crosstalk with autophagy, oxidative stress, and other pathways. Overall, this article focuses on the relationship between ERS and osteosarcoma and reviews the potential of drugs or gene targets associated with ERS for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Insights into Non-Proteolytic Inhibitory Mechanisms of Polymorphic Early-Stage Amyloid β Oligomers by Insulin Degrading Enzyme
Authors: Abramov-Harpaz Karina , Miller Yifat
Published: December 2022

Insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) has been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid media and plays a role in encapsulating and degrading the amyloid β (Aβ) monomer, thus regulating the levels of Aβ monomers. The current work illustrates a first study by which IDE encapsulates polymorphic early-stage Aβ oligomers. The main goal of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of IDE activity on the encapsulated early-stage Aβ dimers: fibril-like and random coil/α-helix dimers. Our work led to several findings. First, when the fibril-like Aβ dimer interacts with IDE-C domain, IDE does not impede the contact between the monomers, but plays a role as a ‘dead-end’ chaperone protein. Second, when the fibril-like Aβ dimer interacts with the IDE-N domain, IDE successfully impedes the contacts between monomers. Third, the inhibitory activity of IDE on random coil/α-helix dimers depends on the stability of the dimer. IDE could impede the contacts between monomers in relatively unstable random coil/α-helix dimers, but gets hard to impede in stable dimers. However, IDE encapsulates stable dimers and could serve as a ‘dead-end’ chaperone. Our results examine the molecular interactions between IDE and the dimers, and between the monomers within the dimers. Hence, this study provides insights into the inhibition mechanisms of the primary nucleation of Aβ aggregation and the basic knowledge for rational design to inhibit Aβ aggregation.
Portability of a Small-Molecule Binding Site between Disordered Proteins
Authors: Jaiprashad Rajesh , De Silva Sachith Roch , Fred Lucena Lisette M. , Meyer Ella , Metallo Steven J.
Published: December 2022

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are important in both normal and disease states. Small molecules can be targeted to disordered regions, but we currently have only a limited understanding of the nature of small-molecule binding sites in IDPs. Here, we show that a minimal small-molecule binding sequence of eight contiguous residues derived from the Myc protein can be ported into a different disordered protein and recapitulate small-molecule binding activity in the new context. We also find that the residue immediately flanking the binding site can have opposing effects on small-molecule binding in the different disordered protein contexts. The results demonstrate that small-molecule binding sites can act modularly and are portable between disordered protein contexts but that residues outside of the minimal binding site can modulate binding affinity.
Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Bacillus megaterium: Prospecting on Rice Hull and Residual Glycerol Potential
Authors: de Oliveira Schmidt Vanessa Kristine , Santos Evelise Fonseca dos , de Oliveira Débora , Ayub Marco Antônio Záchia , Cesca Karina , Cortivo Paulo Roberto Dall , de Andrade Cristiano José , Hickert Lilian Raquel
Published: December 2022

The production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by Bacillus megaterium using industrial residues, crude glycerol from biodiesel synthesis and rice hull hydrolysate (RHH), as low-cost carbon sources was investigated. The experiments were conducted by shaking flasks at 30 °C and 180 rpm up to 72 h. The extraction of PHA was carried out using sodium hypochlorite to make its recovery more environmentally friendly by avoiding organic solvents (chloroform). The yields of PHA varied depending on the extraction method. A total of 33.3% (w·w−1) (mixing chloroform: sodium hypochlorite) and 52.5% (w·w−1) (sodium hypochlorite only) were obtained using glycerol and glucose as a carbon source, respectively. Preliminary experiments using RHH as a carbon source Indicated a yield of PHA of 11% (w·w−1) (chloroform). The PHA produced had thermal properties, such as transition temperature, similar to the commercial polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
The Characteristics and Obstetric Outcomes of Type II Vasa Previa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Matsuzaki Shinya , Ueda Yutaka , Matsuzaki Satoko , Kakuda Mamoru , Lee Misooja , Takemoto Yuki , Hayashida Harue , Maeda Michihide , Kakubari Reisa , Hisa Tsuyoshi , Mabuchi Seiji , Kamiura Shoji
Published: December 2022

Vasa previa is a rare fetal life-threatening obstetric disease classified into types I and II. This study aimed to examine the characteristics and obstetric outcomes of type II vasa previa. A systematic review was performed, and 20 studies (1998–2022) were identified. The results from six studies showed that type II vasa previa accounted for 21.3% of vasa previa cases. The characteristics and obstetric outcomes (rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART), antenatal diagnosis, emergent cesarean delivery, maternal transfusion, gestational age at delivery, and neonatal mortality) were compared between type I and II vasa previa, and all outcomes of interest were similar. The association between ART and abnormal placenta (bilobed placenta or succenturiate lobe) was examined in three studies, and the results were as follows: (i) increased rate of succenturiate lobes (ART versus non-ART pregnancy; OR (odds ratio) 6.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.45–19.78); (ii) similar rate of abnormal placenta (cleavage-stage versus blastocyst embryo transfer); (iii) increased rate of abnormal placenta (frozen versus fresh embryo transfer; OR 2.97, 95%CI 1.10–7.96). Although the outcomes of type II vasa previa appear to be similar to those of type I vasa previa, the current evidence is insufficient for a robust conclusion.
Cell Type-Specific Effects of Implant Provisional Restoration Materials on the Growth and Function of Human Fibroblasts and Osteoblasts
Authors: Matsuura Takanori , Komatsu Keiji , Chao Denny , Lin Yu-Chun , Oberoi Nimish , McCulloch Kalie , Cheng James , Orellana Daniela , Ogawa Takahiro
Published: December 2022

Implant provisional restorations should ideally be nontoxic to the contacting and adjacent tissues, create anatomical and biophysiological stability, and establish a soft tissue seal through interactions between prosthesis, soft tissue, and alveolar bone. However, there is a lack of robust, systematic, and fundamental data to inform clinical decision making. Here we systematically explored the biocompatibility of fibroblasts and osteoblasts in direct contact with, or close proximity to, provisional restoration materials. Human gingival fibroblasts and osteoblasts were cultured on the “contact” effect and around the “proximity” effect with various provisional materials: bis-acrylic, composite, self-curing acrylic, and milled acrylic, with titanium alloy as a bioinert control. The number of fibroblasts and osteoblasts surviving and attaching to and around the materials varied considerably depending on the material, with milled acrylic the most biocompatible and similar to titanium alloy, followed by self-curing acrylic and little to no attachment on or around bis-acrylic and composite materials. Milled and self-curing acrylics similarly favored subsequent cellular proliferation and physiological functions such as collagen production in fibroblasts and alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblasts. Neither fibroblasts nor osteoblasts showed a functional phenotype when cultured with bis-acrylic or composite. By calculating a biocompatibility index for each material, we established that fibroblasts were more resistant to the cytotoxicity induced by most materials in direct contact, however, the osteoblasts were more resistant when the materials were in close proximity. In conclusion, there was a wide variation in the cytotoxicity of implant provisional restoration materials ranging from lethal and tolerant to near inert, and this cytotoxicity may be received differently between the different cell types and depending on their physical interrelationships.
Age Effects in Emotional Memory and Associated Eye Movements
Authors: Stam Daphne , Colman Laura , Vansteelandt Kristof , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Van den Stock Jan
Published: December 2022

Mnemonic enhanced memory has been observed for negative events. Here, we investigate its association with spatiotemporal attention, consolidation, and age. An ingenious method to study visual attention for emotional stimuli is eye tracking. Twenty young adults and twenty-one older adults encoded stimuli depicting neutral faces, angry faces, and houses while eye movements were recorded. The encoding phase was followed by an immediate and delayed (48 h) recognition assessment. Linear mixed model analyses of recognition performance with group, emotion, and their interaction as fixed effects revealed increased performance for angry compared to neutral faces in the young adults group only. Furthermore, young adults showed enhanced memory for angry faces compared to older adults. This effect was associated with a shorter fixation duration for angry faces compared to neutral faces in the older adults group. Furthermore, the results revealed that total fixation duration was a strong predictor for face memory performance.
An fNIRS Study of Applicability of the Unity–Diversity Model of Executive Functions in Preschoolers
Authors: Xie Sha , Gong Chaohui , Lu Jiahao , Zhang Hao , Wu Dandan , Chi Xinli , Li Hui , Chang Chunqi
Published: December 2022

Executive function (EF) includes a set of higher-order abilities that control one’s actions and thoughts consciously and has a protracted developmental trajectory that parallels the maturation of the frontal lobes, which develop speedily over the preschool period. To fully understand the development of EF in preschoolers, this study examined the relationship among the three domains of executive function (cognitive shifting, inhibitory control, and working memory) to test the applicability of the unity–diversity model in preschoolers using both behavioral and fNIRS approaches. Altogether, 58 Chinese preschoolers (34 boys, 24 girls, Mage = 5.86 years, SD = 0.53, age range = 4.83–6.67 years) were administered the Dimensional Card Change Sort (DCCS), go/no-go, and missing scan task. Their brain activations in the prefrontal cortex during the tasks were examined using fNIRS. First, the behavioral results indicated that the missing scan task scores (working memory) correlated with the DCCS (cognitive shifting) and go/no-go tasks (inhibitory control). However, the latter two did not correlate with each other. Second, the fNIRS results demonstrated that the prefrontal activations during the working memory task correlated with those in the same regions during the cognitive shifting and inhibitory control tasks. However, the latter two still did not correlate. The behavioral and neuroimaging evidence jointly indicates that the unity–diversity model of EF does apply to Chinese preschoolers.
Occupational Burnout Is Linked with Inefficient Executive Functioning, Elevated Average Heart Rate, and Decreased Physical Activity in Daily Life - Initial Evidence from Teaching Professionals
Authors: Pihlaja Mia , Tuominen Pipsa P. A. , Peräkylä Jari , Hartikainen Kaisa M.
Published: December 2022

Burnout is becoming a global pandemic jeopardizing brain health, with a huge impact on quality of life, available workforce, and the economy. Knowledge of the impact of burnout on cognition, physiology, and physical activity (PA) in daily life allows for an improved understanding of the health consequences and everyday ramifications of burnout. Twenty-eight volunteers participated in a three-day recording of daily physiology and PA, including heart rate (HR) and daily steps, with a wearable device. They filled in questionnaires screening for burnout (BBI-15), depression (BDI), and executive functions (EFs) in daily life (BRIEF-A). The subjects with burnout had more challenges in EFs, higher average HRs and lower numbers of steps in daily life than those without it. The BBI-15 scores correlated positively with the BDI scores and BRIEF-A indices and negatively with the awake HR variability (HRV) and daily steps. The metacognition index correlated negatively with the HRV. In conclusion, burnout is linked with compromised EFs along with alterations in cardiac physiology and PA in daily life. Such alterations may be easily detected with wearable devices, opening possibilities for novel biomarkers of burnout and other neuropsychiatric disorders. We suggest that physical activity and heart and brain health are intimately intertwined and that burnout interacts with each of them bidirectionally.
Investigating Salespeople’s Performance and Opportunistic Behavior: Adaptive and Customer-Oriented Responses
Authors: Yeo Chankoo , Jan Ihsan Ullah
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the role of value congruence and top management support on salespeople’s customer-oriented selling behavior and adaptive selling behavior. Moreover, this study has also explored the effects of salespeople’s customer-oriented selling behavior and adaptive selling behavior on sales performance and opportunistic behaviors, respectively. An online survey was administered to collect the data from salespeople in South Korea, and a total of 204 responses were undergone for formal analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. The results showed that salespeople’s value congruence has a significant positive effect on customer-oriented selling behavior and top management support has a significant positive effect on salespeople’s adaptive selling behavior. The salespeople’s customer-oriented selling behavior has a significant positive effect on sales performance and a significant negative effect on opportunistic behavior. Similarly, salespeople’s adaptive selling behavior has significant positive effects on sales performance and opportunistic behaviors. Based on these findings, the implications for theory and practice are discussed in detail.
Chemsex and Psychosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moreno-Gámez Lucía , Hernández-Huerta Daniel , Lahera Guillermo
Published: December 2022

Chemsex is presented as a major challenge in public health, with numerous physical and mental consequences. The general objective of this review was to analyze the relationship between the practice of chemsex and the development of psychosis. A mixed systematic review model was chosen. PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched following a predetermined search strategy. The studies were selected, and their information was extracted following a systematic method. A total of 10 articles were included. Psychotic symptoms ranged from 6.7% to 37.2%, being one of the most frequent psychiatric diagnoses. Slamsex, polydrug use and smoked methamphetamine posed up to a 3-fold increased risk of psychosis within this practice. The risk factors found were foreign or ethnic minority status, location in large cities, stress and anxiety, trauma, loneliness, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), hepatitis, and previous psychotic history. In conclusion, chemsex is associated with psychosis development; we found numerous converging risk factors and a clear mediating role of drugs. It is important, in approaching the prevention and treatment of this addiction, to take into account motivations and psychosocial circumstances.
Factors Influencing Students’ Career Intentions in the Hospitality and Tourism Industries: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Fajian , He Qing , Wu Nan
Published: December 2022

This study adopted a meta-analysis to generalize and compare the effect of influencing factors on hospitality and tourism management students’ career intentions from 34 studies. After 13 existing factors were classified into four categories, the results revealed that 11 of them significantly impact students’ career intentions. In general, the influences of social identity and self-perception are more important, followed by school education and work conditions. A subgroup analysis further identified the sample students’ grades as dynamics that partially moderate some of the influencing factors, while no statistical changes in the relative influences were observed after the COVID-19 outbreak. Finally, suggestions are provided for hospitality and tourism management education and industries.
Shape Memory Polymer Foam for Autonomous Climate-Adaptive Building Envelopes
Authors: Walter Mario , Lengsfeld Kristin , Borschewski David , Albrecht Stefan , Kölsch Philipp , Pretsch Thorsten , Krus Martin , Lehmann-Brauns Susanne
Published: December 2022

Reducing the continuously growing cooling energy demand of buildings is an important part of achieving global emission targets. Here, we present an innovative scenario of how the integration of a programmable material into a climate-adaptive building envelope (CABE) can create an energy-efficient thermal management system inherent to the material. This novel concept is based on a thermoresponsive shape memory polymer foam (SMP) and is designed to regulate the flow of ambient air through the building envelope in order to enable natural cooling of the structure. Hygrothermal simulation data obtained by the software WUFI® Plus indicate that significant cooling energy saving potential may be accessible with this type of concept. As a possible material basis for a corresponding adaptive element, a reactive foamed polyurethane-based SMP foam is proposed, which is capable of executing a thermoreversible shape change of more than 20% while having a suitable switching temperature range. Finally, the ecological impact of such a functional foam element is evaluated in detail as well as its influence on the overall balance of a façade construction by means of a life cycle assessment (LCA).
Input-Output Benefit Analysis of Green Building Incremental Cost Based on DEA-Entropy Weight Method
Authors: Liu Wei , Huang Xiaohui , He Zhuan , Wang Yongxiang , Han Luyao , Qiu Wenxuan
Published: December 2022

Green buildings are an important carrier for the transformation of the construction industry to green, efficient and energy-saving, and an important part of the national sustainable development strategy. At present, the development of green building in China is still in the primary stage, the willingness of construction enterprises to develop green building is low, and the promotion of green building is facing the problem of insufficient power. The main reason is that the incremental cost of green building is too high. Therefore, this paper takes green building as the research object, and studies the quantification and evaluation of its incremental cost-benefit. Firstly, the incremental cost composition of green buildings is analysed from the perspective of the whole life cycle, and the incremental benefits are divided into economic benefits, environmental benefits and social benefits. Secondly, the green building incremental cost-benefit evaluation model is constructed by combining the entropy weight method and the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method. Finally, the feasibility of this evaluation method is verified through the analysis of practical engineering cases. By evaluating the input-output benefits of incremental costs, the projects with DEA effectiveness and DEA ineffectiveness are identified, and specific suggestions are put forward for them respectively. The research results not only provide theoretical support for the quantification and evaluation of incremental costs and benefits of green buildings, but also provide a reference for the formulation of corresponding cost control measures, and lay a foundation for the realization of the cost minimization and benefit maximization of green buildings.
Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Targeted Pet/CT Imaging in Patients with Colon, Gastric and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Vuijk Floris A. , Kleiburg Fleur , Noortman Wyanne A. , Heijmen Linda , Feshtali Shahbazi Shirin , van Velden Floris H. P. , Baart Victor M. , Bhairosingh Shadhvi S. , Windhorst Bert D. , Hawinkels Lukas J. A. C. , Dibbets-Schneider Petra , Bouwman Neanke , Crobach Stijn A. L. P. , Fariña-Sarasqueta Arantza , Marinelli Andreas W. K. S. , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Swijnenburg Rutger-Jan , Smit Frits , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Hilling Denise E. , Slingerland Marije
Published: December 2022

Current imaging modalities frequently misjudge disease stage in colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancer. As treatment decisions are dependent on disease stage, incorrect staging has serious consequences. Previous preclinical research and case reports indicate that prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted PET/CT imaging might provide a solution to some of these challenges. This prospective clinical study aims to assess the feasibility of [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT imaging to target and visualize primary colon, gastric and pancreatic cancer. In this prospective clinical trial, patients with colon, gastric and pancreatic cancer were included and underwent both [18F]DCFPyL and [18F]FDG PET/CT scans prior to surgical resection or (for gastric cancer) neoadjuvant therapy. Semiquantitative analysis of immunohistochemical PSMA staining was performed on the surgical resection specimens, and the results were correlated to imaging parameters. The results of this study demonstrate detection of the primary tumor by [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT in 7 out of 10 patients with colon, gastric and pancreatic cancer, with a mean tumor-to-blood pool ratio (TBR) of 3.3 and mean SUVmax of 3.6. However, due to the high surrounding uptake, visual distinction of these tumors was difficult, and the SUVmax and TBR on [18F]FDG PET/CT were significantly higher than on [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT. In addition, no correlation between PSMA expression in the resection specimen and SUVmax on [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT was found. In conclusion, the detection of several gastrointestinal cancers using [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT is feasible. However, low tumor expression and high uptake physiologically in organs/background hamper the clear distinction of the tumor. As a result, [18F]FDG PET/CT was superior in detecting colon, gastric and pancreatic cancers.
Genetic Alterations and Deregulation of Hippo Pathway as a Pathogenetic Mechanism in Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Salguero-Aranda Carmen , Olmedo-Pelayo Joaquín , de Álava Enrique , Amaral Ana Teresa , Díaz-Martín Juan
Published: December 2022

The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved modulator of developmental biology with a key role in tissue and organ size regulation under homeostatic conditions. Like other signaling pathways with a significant role in embryonic development, the deregulation of Hippo signaling contributes to oncogenesis. Central to the Hippo pathway is a conserved cascade of adaptor proteins and inhibitory kinases that converge and regulate the activity of the oncoproteins YAP and TAZ, the final transducers of the pathway. Elevated levels and aberrant activation of YAP and TAZ have been described in many cancers. Though most of the studies describe their pervasive activation in epithelial neoplasms, there is increasing evidence pointing out its relevance in mesenchymal malignancies as well. Interestingly, somatic or germline mutations in genes of the Hippo pathway are scarce compared to other signaling pathways that are frequently disrupted in cancer. However, in the case of sarcomas, several examples of genetic alteration of Hippo members, including gene fusions, have been described during the last few years. Here, we review the current knowledge of Hippo pathway implication in sarcoma, describing mechanistic hints recently reported in specific histological entities and how these alterations represent an opportunity for targeted therapy in this heterogeneous group of neoplasm.
Enhancing the Thermal Stability of Glutathione Bifunctional Synthase by B-Factor Strategy and Un/Folding Free Energy Calculation
Authors: Zhu Wenlong , Sun Heming , Jiang Qixuan , Zheng Ruonan , Wang Qingyun , Zhang Qinfei , Liu Luo , Cao Hui
Published: December 2022

Glutathione is of great significance in pharmaceutical and health fields, and one-step synthesis of reduced glutathione by glutathione bifunctional synthase has become a focus of research. The stability of glutathione bifunctional synthase is generally poor and urgently needs to be modified. The B-factor strategy and un/folding free energy calculation were both applied to enhance the thermal stability of glutathione bifunctional synthase from Streptococcus agalactiae (GshFSA). Based on the concept of B-factor strategy, we calculated the B-factor by molecular dynamics simulation to find flexible residues, performed point saturation mutations and high-throughput screening. At the same time, we also calculated the un/folding free energy of GshFSA and performed the point mutations. The optimal mutant from the B-factor strategy was R270S, which had a 2.62-fold increase in half-life period compared to the wild type, and the Q406M was the optimal mutant from the un/folding free energy calculation, with a 3.02-fold increase in half-life period. Both of them have provided a mechanistic explanation.